Commensurate: meaning, definitions and examples

Use in formal and professional settings where you need to indicate that two things are measured or assessed in a way that is appropriate to one another.

• Her salary is commensurate with her experience and skills
• The punishment should be commensurate with the crime committed

Applicable in situations requiring a sense of balance or ratio, often in legal or formal contexts.

• The response should be proportionate to the level of threat
• Damages awarded in the lawsuit should be proportionate to the harm suffered

Used when stating that two things are equal in value, amount, function, or meaning.

• One dollar is equivalent to about 0
• 85 euros
• An increase in expenses must be met with an equivalent increase in revenue

Best suited when indicating a natural connection or relationship between two variables or elements, often in scientific or technical contexts.

• The data shows a corresponding increase in sales with increased advertising
• Each section of the code has a corresponding part in the documentation

Use in situations where things are in proportion or correspond in size or degree.

• The salary offered is commensurate with the experience and qualifications.
• His level of effort should be commensurate with the desired results.

Best used when describing things that are exactly the same in quantity, size, degree, or value.

• All citizens have equal rights before the law.
• The two competitors finished the race in equal time.

Use when describing something that is appropriately related in size or amount to something else.

• The punishment should be proportionate to the crime.
• The benefits should be proportionate to the costs.

Suited for describing things that are equal in value, amount, function, or meaning but are not necessarily identical.

• A mile is equivalent to about 1.6 kilometers.
• Her job is the equivalent of a manager.