proportionable 
tion ; having a due comparative relation ; pro- 
portional ; corresponding. 
For us to levy power 
Proportionable to the enemy 
In all unpossible. ShaJc., Rich. II., ii. 2. 125. 
My encouragement in the Navy alone being in no wise 
proportionate to my pains or deserts. 
Pepus, Diary, II. 317. 
Such eloquence may exist without & proportionable de- 
gree of wisdom. Burke. 
proportionableness (pro-por'shpn-a-bl-nes), . 
The state of being proportionable. 
Because there will be a proportionableness of the parts 
of our perfection ; and therefore, as our love to God and 
his works will be there perfected, so will be our know- 
ledge. Baxter, Dying Thoughts. 
proportionably (pro-por'shon-a-bli), adv. [< 
linijiortionable + -ly'*.] Proportionally. 
As he approached nearer home, his good humour pro- 
portionably seemed to increase. 
OoUtmOh, Citizen of the World, Hi. 
proportional (pro-por'shon-al), a. and . [< 
ME. proporciouef, u., < Of. proportioitel, pro- 
porcionel, F. proportionnel = Sp. Pg. propor- 
tional = It. proportionate, < LL. proportional in, 
pertaining to proportion, < L. proportio(n-), 
proportion: see proportion.] I. a. 1. Based 
upon proportion; pertaining to or having pro- 
portion. 
Relations depending on the equality and excess of the 
same simple idea in several subjects may ! called . . . 
proportional. Locke, Human Understanding, II. \\viii. 1. 
2. According to or having a due proportion ; 
being in suitable proportion or degree. 
The conquerors were contented to share the conquered 
country, usually according to a strictly denned propor- 
tional division, with its previous occupants. 
Craik, Hist. Knit. Lit., I. 62. 
They see a great amount of wealth in the country, and 
they think that their share is not proportional to their de- 
serts. New Princeton Rev., II. 5*2. 
3. In math., having the same or a constant ra- 
tio: as, proportional quantities Directly pro- 
portional, in math. , noting proportional quantities when 
the proportion is according to the order of the terms (that 
is, one thing is greater in the same ratio that another is 
greater): in contradistinction to inversely or reciprocally 
proportional, when the proportion is contrary to the order 
of the terms (that is, one thing is less in the same ratio that 
another is greater, and vice versa). 
We may assume that the elastic force of the luminiferous 
medium called Into play by a displacement is directly 
proportional to the displacement. Tail, Light, 281. 
Proportional compasses, compasses with a pair of legs 
at eacli end, turning on a common pivot. The pivot is 
secured in a slide which is adjustable in the slots of the 
legs so as to vary in any required proportion the relative 
distances of the points at the respective ends. The legs are 
provided with marks by which the ratio of proportion of 
the respective ends may be arranged or determined. The 
instrument is used in reducing or enlarging drawings, etc. 
Proportional parts, parts of magnitudes such that 
the corresponding ones, taken in their order, are propor- 
tional that Is, the first part of the first is to the flrst part 
of the second as the second part of the first is to the second 
part of the second, and so on. Proportional radii. 
See radius. Proportional representation. See rep- 
mentation.-- Proportional scale, (a) A scale on which 
are marked parts proportional to the logarithms of the 
natural numbers ; a logarithmic scale, (6) A scale for pre- 
serving the proportions of drawings or parts when chang* 
ingtheir size. 
II. n. 1. A quantity in proportion. Specifi- 
cally (a) In chem., in the theory of definite proportions, 
the weight of an atom or prime. See prime, n., 6. (6) In 
math., one of the terms of a proportion : of these the first 
and last are called the extremes, and the intermediate the 
meant, or, when the proportion consists of only three 
terms, the mean. See wean*. 
2f. A table of proportional parts. 
Hise proporcioneles convenientz 
For hise equacions in every thyng. 
Chaucer, Franklin's Tale, 1. 550. 
Continued proportionals. See continued. 
proportionality (pro-por-sho-nal'i-ti), n. [< F. 
proportion nalite = Sp. proporcionulidad = Pg. 
proporcionalidade = It. proporzionalita, < LL. 
proportionalita(t-)s, proportion, < praportionalis, 
proportional: see proportional.] The charac- 
ter or state of being in proportion. 
The principle of proportionality of cause and effect is 
suspended, the smallest causes producing, if need be, the 
largest effects. .1 llnin. Mind, XII. 178. 
proportionally (pro-por'shpn-al-i), a<lr. In pro- 
portion ; in due degree ; with suitable compara- 
tive relation. 
If these circles, whilst their centres keep their distances 
and positions, could be made less in diameter, their inti'i 
fering one with another . . . would be proportvinallii di- 
minished. \ewtoti. 
proportionaryt, . [ME. proporcynary, < ML. 
/iniportioiHiriit.i, proportional, \.Ij.proportio(n-), 
proportion: see proportion.] Proportion. 
And so to werke it, after his proporcynary, 
That it may appere to all that shall it se 
A thyng ryght parfyte anil wel in cohe degre. 
Fitlnfan, t'hron., I.. 1'rul., p. 3. 
4781 
proportionate (pro-por'shon-at), a. [= F. pi-o- 
portinii n<- = Sp. Pg. proporcionado = It. propor- 
siouato, < lib. proportionate, proportioned, < L. 
proportio(n-), proportion, symmetry, analogy: 
see proportion.] Having proportion, or due pro- 
portion ; adjusted to something else according 
to a certain rate or comparative relation ; pro- 
portional. 
In the state of nature, one man comes by no absolute 
power to use a criminal according to the passion or heats 
of his own will, but only to retrtbute to him . . . what 
is proportionate to his transgression. Locke. 
Is such effect proportionate to cause? 
Browning, Ring and Book, IL 214. 
If the demand for Increase of power In some particular 
faculty is great and unceasing, development will go on 
with proportionate speed. 
//. Spencer, Social Statics, p. 452. 
proportionate (pro-por'shon-at), v. t. ; pret. and 
pp. proportionated, ppr. proportionating. [< 
proportionate, a.] To make proportional ; ad- 
just according to a settled rate or to due com- 
parative relation or proportion : as, to propor- 
tionate punishments to crimes. 
Every single particle hath an Innate gravitation towards 
all others, proportionated by matter and distance. 
Bentley, Sermons. 
proportionately (pro-por'shon-at-li), adv. In 
a proportionate manner or degree; with due 
proportion; according to a settled or suitable 
rate or degree. 
To tliis Internal perfection is added a proportionately 
happy condition. Bp. Pearson, Expos, of Creed, xiL 
proportionateness (pro-por'shon-at-nes), . 
The character or state of being proportionate. 
proportioning (pro-por'shon-ing), n. [Verbal 
n. of proportion, v.] Relation of size, height, 
etc. ; adjustment of proportions. 
The vertical proportioning (of the interior of Durham 
Cathedral] Is quite unlike what we have seen In the east- 
ern districts ; the main arcade is much higher, and the ti i 
forium arcade relatively lower. The Century, XXXV. 228. 
proportionment (pro-por'shon-ment), . [< 
OF. proportionnemcnt, < proportion ner, propor- 
tion: see proportion.] The act of proportion- 
ing, or the state of being proportioned. 
A regard to the proportionment of the projective motion 
to the vis centripeta. Moluunu, To Locke, July 20, 1097. 
propO8(pro-po'), M. [F. : see purpose.] A prop- 
osition ; statement. 
John the Saint, 
Who maketh oft Propos full qnelnt. 
Prior, Earl Robert's Mice. 
proposal (pro-po'zal), . [<. propose + -al.] 1. A 
proposition, plan, or scheme offered for accep- 
tance; a scheme or design; in the plural, terms 
or conditions proposed: as, to make proposals 
for a treaty of peace ; to make a proposal of 
marriage. 
When we . . . propounded terms 
Of composition, straight they changed their minds. . . . 
If our proposals once again were heard, 
We should compel them to a quick result. 
Milton, P. I., vi. 618. 
2. Offer or presentation to the mind; state- 
ment. 
The proposal of an agreeable object. South. 
The truth is not likely to be entertained readily upon the 
first proposal. Bp. Atterbury. 
3. In lair, a statement in writing of some spe- 
cial matter submitted to the consideration of a 
master in Chancery, pursuant to an order made 
upon an application ex parte, or a decretal or- 
der of the court. Imp. Diet Sealed proposals, 
competitive offers to furnish supplies or perform work, 
made as bids for a contract to be awarded therefor, each 
offer being Inclosed in a sealed envelop when presented, 
and all to be opened simultaneously, so as to prevent later 
Didders from learning the terms offered by earlier bidders 
in time to underbid. = Syn. 1. Proposal, Proposition, Over- 
ture. A proposal is something proposed to be done, which 
the person addressed may accept or reject : as, a proposal 
of marriage. A proposition may be something proposed 
for discussion, with a view to ascertaining the truth or the 
wisdom of it : as, a proposition in Euclid ; few now refuse 
assent to the proposition that the earth is round. Proposi- 
tion is likely to be applied to ^proposal which is deliberated 
upon, discussion and deliberation being associated with 
the word proposition, and action with the word proposal : 
as, a proposition to build a new dam, if it will not cost too 
much ; a proposal to build it for $10,000. Both these words 
imply some exactness, completeness, or formality, whereas 
an overture may be of a tentative sort. By derivation, an 
overture opens negotiation or business : as, an overture from 
an inferior to a superior ecclesiastical b<xly ; an overture 
of peace from one of two estranged friends or neighlwrs. 
An overture, if not rejected, may lie followed by a definite 
proposal. 
propose (pro-poz'), r. ; pret. and pp. proj>osed, 
ppr. proposing. [< ME. proposen, < OF. pro- 
poser, F. proposer, propose, purpose, taking the 
place of L. proponcre, pp. propoxituit, set forth, 
place before (< pro, forth, before, + ponerc, 
set, place : see propone), as with similar words : 
proposition 
see pose 2 .] I. trans. 1. To put forward or of- 
fer for consideration, discussion, acceptance, 
admission, or adoption : as, to propose a bill or 
resolution to a legislative body; to propose a 
question or subject for discussion; to propose 
one as a member of a club. 
Sphinx is said to propose various difficult questions and 
riddles to men. Bacon, Physical Fables, x., Expl. 
It It hard to flnd a whole age to imitate, or what century 
to propose tor example. Sir T. Brotcne, Christ. Mor., 111. 1. 
2. To place before as something to be done, 
attained, or striven after; form or declare as 
an intention or design. 
What to ourselves in passion we propose, 
The passion ending, doth the purpose lose. 
Shak., Hamlet, III. 2. 204. 
But ere we could arrive the point proposed, 
Cxsar cried, " Help me, Caserns, or I sink ! " 
Shak., J. C., L 2. 110. 
And then come to town till I begin my journey to Ire- 
land, which I propose the middle of August 
StcW, Letter, July 8, 1720. 
3f. To set or place forth; place out; state. 
Milton has proposed the Subject of his Poem In the fol- 
lowing Verses. Addison, Spectator, No. 303. 
4f. To place one's self before ; face; confront. 
Aaron, a thousand deaths 
Would I propose to achieve her whom I love. 
Shak., Tit. And., Ii. 1. 80. 
5t. To speak; utter; discourse. 
Of hyr lenger wold I haue spoke sure, 
Iff more of wrytlng therof founde myght be ; ... 
And sin more ther of I can noght propose, 
Offers moste I here take rest and repose. 
Rom. o/Partenay (E. K. T. S.), 1. 6404. 
Euery one gaue his consent with Snrius, yeeldlng the 
choyce of that nighU pastime to the discretion of the La- 
dle Hiuiiu. who thus proposed her mind. 
Lyly, Euphues and his England (ed. Arber), p. 40. 
Where I stand kneel thou, 
Whilst I propone the selfsame words to thee 
Which, traitor, thou would have me answer to. 
Shak., 3 Hen. VI., v. 5. 20. 
= Syn. 1. To propound, present, suggest, recommend, 
move, enounce. 2. To intend, mean, design. 
II. intniits. 1. To form or declare an inten- 
tion or design. 
Man propose*, but God disposes. 
Chron. of Battle Abbey (Lower's trans.), p. 27. 
2. To offer; specifically, to make an offer of 
marriage. 
Why don't the men propose, mamma? 
T. Hayjies Bayly, Why Don't the Men Propose! 
3t. To converse ; discourse. 
Run thee into the parlour; 
There shalt thou find my cousin Beatrice 
Proposing with the Prince and Claudio. 
Shak., Much Ado, ill. 1. ::. 
propose* (pro-poz'), . [< propose, c. ; cf. pur- 
pose, n.] Talk; discourse. 
There will she hide her, 
To listen our propose. 
Shak., Much Ado, ill. 1. 12. 
proposedlyt (pro-po'zed-li), rfr. Designedly; 
purposely. 
They had been proposedlu planned and pointed against 
him. Sterne, Tristram Shandy, T. 117. 
proposer (pro-po'zer), H. [(.propose + -er 1 .] 1. 
One who proposes ; one who offers anything for 
consideration or adoption. 
He (Nicholas Briot] was the inventor, or at least one of 
the flrst proposers, of coining money by a press, instead of 
the former manner of hammering. 
Walpole, Anecdotes of Painting, II. I. 
The candidates should he nominated by means of a paper 
containing the names of a proposer and seconder and eight 
assentore. J. McCarthy, Hist Own Times, llx. 
2t. A speaker; an orator. 
Let me conjure you, ... by what more dear a better 
proposer could charge you withal, be even and direct with 
me. Shak., Hamlet, it 2. 287. 
proposita, n. Plural of propositum. 
proposition (prop-o-zish on), u. [< ME. propo- 
sicioun, < OF. proposition, F. projiosition = Sp. 
proposition = Pg. proposiqSo = It. proposizione, 
< L. propositio(n-), a setting forth, a representa- 
tion, < proponere, pp. propositus, propose : see 
propone, propose.] I. The act of placing or set- 
ting forth; the act of offering. 
The ample proposition that hope makes 
In all designs begun on earth below 
Fails in the promised largeness. 
Shak., 1. and C., i. 3. 3. 
Clums fit for incense, and oblations for the altar ot propo- 
sition. Jer. Taylor, Works (ed. 1835X I. en. 
2. That which is proposed ; that which is of- 
fered for consideration, acceptance, or adop- 
tion; a proposal; offer of terms: commonly in 
the plural : as, propositions of peace. 
The (iovrmour and council of Pllmouth returned an- 
swerable courteous acceptance of their loving propositions 
!f. Martini, New England's Memorial, p. 133. 
