English · Word Candidate

proportional

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

At a constant ratio (to). Two magnitudes (numbers) are said to be proportional if the second varies in a direct relation arithmetically to the first. Symbol: ∝.

Adjective

Examples

A vacuum-controlled straight air brake system is fitted, in which the driver's vacuum brake valve applies the train brake and makes a proportional application of the locomotive air brake.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

In proportion (to), proportionate.

AdjectiveRegister: US

Examples

This ensures consistency across your website design so that you don't end up with elements that are not adequately proportional with each other.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “proportional” mean?

At a constant ratio (to). Two magnitudes (numbers) are said to be proportional if the second varies in a direct relation arithmetically to the first. Symbol: ∝.

Is “proportional” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.