Incommensurate: meaning, definitions and examples

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incommensurate

[ɪn.kəˈmɛn.sər.ɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

mathematics

Not having a common measure or equal standard; not proportionate.

Synonyms

disparate, disproportionate, unequal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
incommensurate	Appropriate for expressing a lack of a common standard of measurement or comparison, often highlighting an imbalance. His salary is incommensurate with the amount of work he does. The resources allocated to the two departments were incommensurate, causing frustration among the staff.
disproportionate	Best for indicating an imbalance in size, number, or degree, suggesting that something is out of proportion and often implying unfairness or injustice. The punishment he received was disproportionate to the offense. There is a disproportionate amount of wealth concentrated in the hands of a few.
unequal	Appropriate for general situations where there is a lack of equality, often in size, quantity, or status, and sometimes with a social justice connotation. The two competitors had unequal chances of winning due to their different levels of experience. There has been significant progress in addressing the unequal treatment of women in the workplace.
disparate	Used to describe things that are fundamentally different in kind, often highlighting a lack of harmony or connection. Their backgrounds were so disparate that they struggled to find common ground. The company's two disparate business units often had conflicting goals.

Examples of usage

The two lines are incommensurate in length.
His efforts and the results were incommensurate.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

general

Out of keeping or proportion with something else.

Synonyms

disproportionate, excessive, undue.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
incommensurate	Use 'incommensurate' when discussing mismatched or incompatible elements, especially in a more formal or academic context. The punishment was incommensurate with the minor offense. Their efforts were incommensurate to the massive scale of the problem.
excessive	Choose 'excessive' to describe something that is beyond what is necessary or reasonable, often implying an undesirable or negative connotation. The noise levels were excessive late at night. She was fined an excessive amount for a minor parking violation.
disproportionate	Apply 'disproportionate' when describing something that is out of proportion or not balanced, particularly in quantity or size. The response was disproportionate to the initial provocation. There is a disproportionate number of resources allocated to this project.
undue	Use 'undue' to suggest something that is unwarranted, unjustified, or inappropriate, often with a negative implication. They put undue pressure on the employees to meet unrealistic deadlines. He was accused of having undue influence over the committee.

Examples of usage

The punishment seemed incommensurate with the crime.
His wealth was incommensurate with his modest lifestyle.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from Latin 'incommensurabilis', meaning 'not commensurable', with 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'commensurabilis' meaning 'having a common measure'.
The word has been used in philosophical texts since the 16th century, often to describe things that are fundamentally different.
In mathematics, an incommensurate relationship often refers to lengths that cannot be measured in whole-number ratios.

Philosophy

Philosopher Zeno’s paradoxes introduced the idea of incommensurability, highlighting problems in comparing motion and rest.
Incommensurability plays a crucial role in discussions of scientific theories, where it can describe theories that cannot be directly compared due to different conceptual frameworks.
Thomas Kuhn’s 'The Structure of Scientific Revolutions' addresses incommensurability between successive scientific paradigms.

Mathematics

The famous examples of incommensurate quantities include the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter (π) and the square root of 2.
In mathematics, two geometric figures can be incommensurate if their areas cannot be measured with the same units without decimal or fractional components.
Incommensurability in calculus deals with limits, where certain functions behave so differently that they can’t be measured with standard measures.

Cultural Studies

Incommensurability often appears in discussions on cultural differences, examining how distinct cultures can have values or beliefs that are not easily comparable.
Anthropologists utilize the concept to understand interactions between cultures that view practices and norms in fundamentally different ways.
Literature explores incommensurate ideas, such as the clash between modernity and tradition, creating narratives that highlight the struggles of conflicting values.

Psychology

Incommensurate perceptions can influence decision-making, as individuals may struggle to make choices between options that don’t seem directly comparable.
Cognitive dissonance theory can illustrate incommensurate attitudes, where a person holds contradictory beliefs about an issue.
The psychology of emotions can also reflect incommensurate feelings, where individuals experience emotions that don't align logically with a situation.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,231 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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30228 transmute
30229 lisp
30230 bridled
30231 incommensurate
30232 jangling
30233 striping
30234 fortuitously
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