In a way that corresponds in size, amount, or degree to something else; maintaining proper or equal relationships between parts.
From Latin 'proportionalis,' from 'proportio' meaning 'comparative relation,' from 'pro-' (for, according to) plus 'portio' (portion, share). The concept entered English in the 14th century through mathematics and philosophy, originally describing geometric relationships.
The golden ratio and other proportional relationships in art and architecture show how deeply this concept affects human perception of beauty and harmony. Proportional representation in politics attempts to apply this mathematical fairness to governance - the idea that parts should relate to wholes in consistent, measurable ways.
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