proportionate
/proportionate/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Exhibiting equivalence or correspondence among constituents of an entity or between different entities: Describes a state where parts are in correct or harmonious relation to each other or to a whole.
- Agreeing in amount, magnitude, or degree: Indicates that two or more things are comparable or equivalent in scale.
- Being in due proportion: Conforming to a proper or appropriate relationship in size, quantity, or degree.
Usage
- As an adjective, "proportionate" is used to describe a relationship where one thing corresponds appropriately to another. It often implies fairness, balance, or a logical scaling.
- It is commonly used with the preposition "to" (e.g., ).
- It can be used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb).
Examples
- Attributive use (before a noun):
- The punishment should be a proportionate response to the crime.
- They demanded proportionate representation in the new government.
- Predicative use (after a linking verb):
- The fine was not proportionate to the minor offense.
- The company's growth has been proportionate to its investment in research.
Advanced Usage
- "Proportionate to": This is the standard construction to link the thing being measured and the standard of comparison.
- The aid provided was proportionate to the level of need.
- In legal and formal contexts, "proportionate" is a key term in principles like "proportionate liability" or assessing if a force used was "proportionate."
Variants and Related Words
- Proportion (n): The relationship of one part to another or to the whole with respect to magnitude, quantity, or degree.
- The proportion of water to flour is critical in this recipe.
- Proportional (adj): Corresponding in size, amount, or degree; having a constant ratio. Often used interchangeably with "proportionate," though "proportional" can be more mathematical.
- The tax is proportional to income.
- Disproportionate (adj): The opposite; not in correct relation or balance.
- A disproportionate amount of resources was spent on administration.
Synonyms
- Commensurate: Corresponding in size or degree; in proportion.
- Corresponding: Similar in position, amount, or structure.
- Equivalent: Equal in value, amount, function, or meaning.
- Balanced: Keeping or showing a balance; in equilibrium.
Antonyms
- Disproportionate
- Excessive
- Incommensurate
- Unbalanced
Related Phrases and Concepts
- Proportionate representation: An electoral system where seats are allocated according to the proportion of votes received.
- Proportionate force: A military or legal principle that the force used must be minimal and appropriate to the threat.
Adjective
- exhibiting equivalence or correspondence among constituents of an entity or between different entities
- agreeing in amount, magnitude, or degree
- being in due proportion
- proportionate representation of a minority group