Commensurate: meaning, definitions and examples

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commensurate

 

[kəˈmenʃ(ə)rət ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in relation to something else

corresponding in size or degree; in proportion

Synonyms

corresponding, equivalent, proportionate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
commensurate

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
proportionate

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
equivalent

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
corresponding

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

Examples of usage

  • The punishment should be commensurate with the crime.
  • She received a salary commensurate with her experience.
Context #2 | Adjective

equal in measure or extent

having the same size, extent, or duration

Synonyms

equal, equivalent, proportionate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
commensurate

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.
equal

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.
proportionate

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.
equivalent

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.

Examples of usage

  • He believed in a commensurate reward for hard work.
  • The effort should be commensurate with the reward.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Latin 'commensuratus', which means 'measured together'.
  • It combines 'com-' meaning 'together' and 'mensura' meaning 'measure'.
  • The term was first used in English in the late 15th century to describe proportional relationships.

Mathematics

  • In geometry, two shapes are commensurate if they can be measured by the same standard units.
  • Variables in algebra that are commensurate can be directly compared or combined in equations.
  • The concept helps in understanding ratios and proportions in mathematical relationships.

Economics

  • In economics, wages should be commensurate with an employee's experience and skills.
  • Market values of goods and services are often assessed to ensure they are commensurate with their supply and demand.
  • Investments are considered commensurate when the risk aligns with potential rewards.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers use the notion of commensurateness to discuss equality and fairness in justice.
  • The idea promotes discussions on social equity, suggesting that benefits must match sacrifices.
  • It raises questions about moral responsibilities in relationships and society at large.

Education

  • In education, assessments should be commensurate with the learning objectives to ensure fair evaluation.
  • Curriculums are designed to ensure that students' efforts result in outcomes commensurate with their input.
  • Different teaching methods are analyzed for their effectiveness based on the commensurateness of learning achievements.

Translations

Translations of the word "commensurate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 comensurável

🇮🇳 समानुपाती

🇩🇪 angemessen

🇮🇩 sebanding

🇺🇦 співмірний

🇵🇱 współmierny

🇯🇵 釣り合った

🇫🇷 proportionné

🇪🇸 proporcional

🇹🇷 orantılı

🇰🇷 상응하는

🇸🇦 متناسب

🇨🇿 úměrný

🇸🇰 primeraný

🇨🇳 相称的

🇸🇮 sorazmeren

🇮🇸 hlutfallslegur

🇰🇿 сәйкес

🇬🇪 თანაზომიერი

🇦🇿 müvafiq

🇲🇽 proporcional

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,262, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.