What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
commensurate
Example
The salary offered for the job is commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience. [commensurate: adjective]
Example
Her promotion to manager was commensurate with her years of dedication and hard work. [commensurate: preposition]
adequate
Example
We need to ensure that we have adequate supplies for the camping trip. [adequate: adjective]
Example
His explanation was adequate to answer the question. [adequate: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Adequate is more commonly used than commensurate in everyday language. Adequate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while commensurate is less common and tends to be used in more specific or formal situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between commensurate and adequate?
While adequate is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, commensurate is typically associated with a more formal tone and is commonly used in professional or academic settings.
