proportionate

1 of 2

adjective

pro·​por·​tion·​ate prə-ˈpȯr-sh(ə-)nət 

: proportional sense 1

proportionately adverb

proportionate

2 of 2

verb

pro·​por·​tion·​ate prə-ˈpȯr-shə-ˌnāt 

proportionated; proportionating

transitive verb

: to make proportionate : proportion

Synonyms

Adjective

• commensurable
• commensurate
• proportional

Examples of proportionate in a Sentence

Adjective

Each investor will receive a proportionate share of the profits.

expect financial returns proportionate to your efforts

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

For the first time in the report’s 11-year history, actors of color reached proportionate representation in starring roles for streaming films, making up 45% of lead roles — a significant increase from 33.3% in 2022. —Josh Rottenberg, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2024

Implement the policy effectively, promptly taking proportionate action to stop any harassing behavior and to prevent it from continuing or reoccurring. —Dan Eaton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English proporcionate, borrowed from Medieval Latin prōportiōnātus, past participle of prōportiōnāre "to compose according to proportions, make proportional" — more at proportion entry 2

Verb

in part derivative of proportionate entry 1, in part borrowed from Medieval Latin prōportiōnātus, past participle of prōportiōnāre "to compose according to proportions, make proportional" — more at proportion entry 2

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1570, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

proportionate

adjective

pro·​por·​tion·​ate

p(r)ə-ˈpōr-sh(ə-)nət,

-ˈpȯr-

: proportional sense 1

proportionately adverb