PROPORTIONATE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does proportionate mean? 

• PROPORTIONATE (adjective)
  The adjective PROPORTIONATE has 3 senses:

1. being in due proportion

2. agreeing in amount, magnitude, or degree

3. exhibiting equivalence or correspondence among constituents of an entity or between different entities

  Familiarity information: PROPORTIONATE used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PROPORTIONATE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Being in due proportion

Context example:

proportionate representation of a minority group

Similar:

per capita (per person)

proportionable (proportionate)

proportional; relative (properly related in size or degree or other measurable characteristics; usually followed by 'to')

proportional (having a constant ratio)

Antonym:

disproportionate (out of proportion)

Derivation:

proportionateness (the relation of corresponding in degree or size or amount)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Agreeing in amount, magnitude, or degree

Similar:

commensurate (corresponding in size or degree or extent)

Derivation:

proportionateness (the relation of corresponding in degree or size or amount)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Exhibiting equivalence or correspondence among constituents of an entity or between different entities

Synonyms:

harmonious; proportionate; symmetrical

Similar:

balanced (being in a state of proper equilibrium)

Derivation:

proportionateness (the relation of corresponding in degree or size or amount)

 Context examples 

The good news spread quickly through the house, and with proportionate speed through the neighbourhood.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

I will exert myself, and if it is in my power to seize the monster, be assured that he shall suffer punishment proportionate to his crimes.

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

If you err wilfully, I shall devise a proportionate punishment.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

Mrs. Weston was exceedingly disappointed—much more disappointed, in fact, than her husband, though her dependence on seeing the young man had been so much more sober: but a sanguine temper, though for ever expecting more good than occurs, does not always pay for its hopes by any proportionate depression.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

Thus relieved of a grievous load, I from that hour set to work afresh, resolved to pioneer my way through every difficulty: I toiled hard, and my success was proportionate to my efforts; my memory, not naturally tenacious, improved with practice; exercise sharpened my wits; in a few weeks I was promoted to a higher class; in less than two months I was allowed to commence French and drawing.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

I felt a conscientious solicitude for Adele's welfare and progress, and a quiet liking for her little self: just as I cherished towards Mrs. Fairfax a thankfulness for her kindness, and a pleasure in her society proportionate to the tranquil regard she had for me, and the moderation of her mind and character.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)