Ratio Definition, Examples, and Common Uses

Meaning 1：proportional relationship (ratio)

ratio 🔊

/ˈreɪʃioʊ/

It shows how many times one number contains another, like when you mix ingredients in cooking.

Ratio example showing 3:1 fruit to sugar on kitchen scale

proportional relationship 🔊

➕

/prəˈpɔːrʃənəl rɪˈleɪʃənʃɪp/

A ratio indicates the relative size of two numbers, often expressed as 'a to b' or a:b.

📁 Category：Diet & Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'ratio' (reason, calculation), from 'reri' (to reckon).

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'rate' + 'io' = ratio; a rate shows a comparison of two numbers.

📖 Example

The ratio of fruit to yogurt in my healthy smoothie is two to one, so it's naturally sweet. 🔊 The ratio of fruit to yogurt in my healthy smoothie is two to one, so it's naturally sweet.

🔗 Collocations

in the ratio of – in the proportion of

a ratio of ... to ... – a comparison showing the quantity of one thing relative to another

the ratio between – the relationship between two numbers

🔄 Synonyms

proportion (n.) – A part, share, or number considered in comparative relation to a whole.

rate (n.) – A measure, quantity, or frequency, typically one measured against some other quantity or measure.

quotient (n.) – A result obtained by dividing one quantity by another.

🚫 Antonyms

imbalance (n.) – Lack of proportion or relation between corresponding things.

disparity (n.) – A great difference between things.

inequality (n.) – Difference in size, degree, circumstances, etc.

🌱 Derivatives

rational (adj.) – Based on or in accordance with reason or logic.

rationality (n.) – The quality of being based on or in accordance with reason.

ration (n.) – A fixed amount of a commodity officially allowed to each person during a shortage.

📖 Cultural Story

Directly from Latin 'ratio', meaning 'reason' or 'calculation'. Used in mathematics, finance and statistics to compare quantities.