proportionate

[ adjective pruh-pawr-shuh-nit, -pohr-; verb pruh-pawr-shuh-neyt, -pohr- ]

adjective

1. proportioned; being in due proportion; proportional.

   Synonyms: balanced, harmonious, consonant, accordant, according

verb (used with object)

, pro·por·tion·at·ed, pro·por·tion·at·ing.

1. to make proportionate.

proportionate

adjective

1. being in proper proportion

verb

1. tr to make proportionate

Derived Forms

• proˈportionately, adverb
• proˈportionateness, noun

Other Words From

• pro·portion·ate·ly adverb
• pro·portion·ate·ness noun
• nonpro·portion·ate adjective
• nonpro·portion·ate·ly adverb
• nonpro·portion·ate·ness noun
• unpro·portion·ate adjective
• unpro·portion·ate·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of proportionate¹

1350–1400; Middle English proporcionate < Late Latin prōportiōnātus. See proportion, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

The Bishop of Winchester, Philip Mountstephen, told BBC's Newsnight failures in safeguarding should be investigated and "appropriate and proportionate action should be taken with anyone who has failed in safeguarding terms".

From BBC

Any military action must be “reasonable and necessary,” as well as “proportionate to the military usage that is occurring.”

From Salon

She said the school felt the restraints were "a necessary and proportionate means of managing disruptive behaviour".

From BBC

A spokesperson for the national governing body said: “We investigate and assess all allegations and concerns about individuals who may pose a risk of harm to children and adults at risk in football and, where applicable, can impose proportionate safeguarding measures in accordance with FA safeguarding regulations.”

From BBC

The health department said their use would be made more "proportionate", although it did not offer details.

From BBC

Related Words

• commensurate
• comparable
• corresponding
• equitable
• proportional
• reciprocal