What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
commensurate
Example
The salary should be commensurate with the employee's experience and qualifications. [commensurate: adjective]
Example
The punishment should be commensurate with the severity of the crime committed. [commensurate: adjective]
proportional
Example
The amount of time spent studying should be proportional to the grades achieved. [proportional: adjective]
Example
The number of votes a candidate receives is proportional to their popularity. [proportional: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Proportional is more commonly used than commensurate in everyday language. Proportional is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while commensurate is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations where equality or suitability is emphasized.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between commensurate and proportional?
While commensurate is typically associated with a formal tone, proportional is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
