proportionate

Everyday

1. In the right size, amount or degree compared with something else; fair and not too much. tree →
2. (maths) Growing or shrinking in the same ratio as something else: «proportionate to». tree →

In the lessons

In maths, two amounts are proportionate when one is always the same multiple of the other: «cost is proportionate to weight». In ethics and law, a punishment should be «proportionate to» the wrong. Phrases: «proportionate to», «a proportionate response», «disproportionate».

Examples

• The punishment should be proportionate to what you did. tree →
• Your pocket money is proportionate to the jobs you do. tree →
• The cost of the apples is proportionate to their weight. tree →
• Doubling the recipe needs a proportionate amount of eggs. tree →
• Shouting at a tiny mistake is not a proportionate response. tree →
• Her pay was proportionate to her hours. tree →

Note

Opposite «disproportionate» (too big or too small). Also «proportional», which is the usual word in maths. In maths problems: if y is proportionate to x, then y = kx; doubling x doubles y. Adverb «proportionately».