golden section: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Academic / Artistic
Quick answer
What does “golden section” mean?
A specific mathematical ratio, approximately equal to 1.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific mathematical ratio, approximately equal to 1.618, found by dividing a line into two unequal parts such that the ratio of the whole to the larger part is equal to the ratio of the larger part to the smaller part.
A proportion considered aesthetically pleasing in art and architecture; the principle behind the golden rectangle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or usage differences. Spelling follows local conventions for associated words (e.g., centre/center in related texts).
Connotations
Identical; both denote the same mathematical and aesthetic concept.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British English academic texts, while 'golden ratio' is marginally more frequent in American English. Overall, both terms are understood and used in all varieties of English.
Grammar
How to Use “golden section” in a Sentence
The [noun] was designed according to the golden section.He divided the line in the golden section.The painting's composition follows the golden section.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “golden section” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The golden-section proportions are evident in the façade.
- She studied golden-section rectangles.
American English
- The golden-section proportion is key to the design.
- He used a golden-section layout for the webpage.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in marketing or design discussions about product aesthetics.
Academic
Common in mathematics, art history, architecture, and design papers.
Everyday
Very rare; mostly used by individuals with interest in art, design, or mathematics.
Technical
Standard term in geometry, architectural design, and artistic composition theory.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “golden section”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “golden section”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “golden section”
- Using 'golden section' to refer to any pleasing proportion, rather than the specific mathematical constant. Spelling as 'golden ration' or 'golden sector'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The golden section is a specific ratio (phi, ~1.618). The Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones. The ratio of consecutive Fibonacci numbers approximates the golden ratio as the sequence progresses.
It appears in art (e.g., Da Vinci's works), architecture (e.g., the Parthenon), book and credit card dimensions, and is sometimes used in graphic and product design to create aesthetically pleasing layouts.
Its aesthetic superiority is a long-held belief in art theory, but psychological studies on its universal appeal have produced mixed and inconclusive results. It remains a powerful historical and cultural concept.
Divide a line of length (a+b) into two parts 'a' (longer) and 'b' (shorter) such that (a+b)/a = a/b = φ ≈ 1.618. Algebraically, φ = (1 + √5)/2.
A specific mathematical ratio, approximately equal to 1.
Golden section is usually technical / academic / artistic in register.
Golden section: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡəʊl.dən ˈsek.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡoʊl.dən ˈsek.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's the golden section of compromise.”
- “(Figurative) He found the golden section between work and life.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GOLDEN necklace (section) divided so perfectly that the whole necklace to the larger piece has the same beautiful ratio as the larger piece to the smaller piece.
Conceptual Metaphor
BALANCE IS BEAUTY; PERFECTION IS A SPECIFIC MATHEMATICAL RATIO.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a common synonym for 'golden section'?