noun
Uncommon
proportions
pruh-PAW-shuhnz
Proportions (noun) means the overall size, scale, or dimensions of something, especially when notably large. Example: “The scandal grew to enormous proportions within days.”
noun
1
The overall size, scale, or dimensions of something, especially when notably large.
"The scandal grew to enormous proportions within days."
"The new stadium is a building of impressive proportions."
"The cathedral is a building of vast proportions."
How to use proportions
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe overall size or scale of something — often used to describe how big or dramatic it has become.
Common pairings
epic proportions
grow to alarming proportions
well-proportioned
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Synonyms
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Rhymes for proportions
Ions
Onions
regions
mentions
stations
Billions
questions
divisions
directions
operations
convulsions
reparations
See all rhymes for proportions →
Frequently asked questions
What does “proportions” mean?
The word “proportions” means the overall size, scale, or dimensions of something, especially when notably large. In plain terms, the overall size or scale of something — often used to describe how big or dramatic it has become.
How do you pronounce “proportions”?
“Proportions” is pronounced pruh-PAW-shuhnz (/pɹəˈpɔɹʃənz/ in IPA).
How do you use “proportions” in a sentence?
Here is “proportions” used in a sentence: “The scandal grew to enormous proportions within days.”
What part of speech is “proportions”?
“Proportions” is a noun.
Is “proportions” a common word?
“Proportions” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "proportions" and "proportion" (singular)?
"Proportion" (singular) usually refers to a ratio or a part of a whole, while "proportions" (plural) refers to the overall size, scale, or dimensions of a thing, especially when it is unusually large. For example, "the fire grew to alarming proportions" describes scale, not a ratio.
What does it mean to say something has grown "to epic proportions" or "to alarming proportions"?
This common collocation means something has become notably or surprisingly large in scale, often beyond what was expected. It is typically used for problems, disasters, or situations that have escalated, such as a scandal or a crisis.
Is "proportions" used differently in art or design compared to everyday speech?
In art, design, and architecture, "proportions" often refers to the relative size relationships between parts of a work, such as a figure's proportions. In everyday speech, it more commonly describes the overall magnitude of a situation, such as a problem reaching serious proportions.
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