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DictionaryRoot: -alis
Latin

-alis

of, relating to

Forms

  • -alis
  • -aris — Latin variant especially used when the stem already contained l, avoiding a repeated l sound.
  • -al — English ending borrowed through French or directly from Latin.
  • -ar — English ending continuing Latin -aris.

Origin

An older Latin adjective-forming suffix; its more remote ancestry is uncertain.

Note

Expresses a relationship without specifying its kind: material, place, purpose, and other connections are possible.

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adjective

proportional

pruh-POR-shuh-nuhl/prəˈpɔːrʃənl/

Corresponding in size, amount, or degree according to a ratio.

The number of matching weights is proportional to the number of oranges.

Two balanced weighing scales: one has one orange balanced by one brass weight, another two oranges balanced by two identical weights, consistent relation, no numbers.
Etymology
proportionLatincomparative relation or proportion
+alLatinof, relating to

The Latin base concerns a relation between things, not an isolated size or amount. Something proportional therefore corresponds to something else according to a particular ratio or degree.

In context

Learn About Law1:27
reducing the rent proportional to the amount of damage done
Illinois Tenant Rights Explained | Learn About Law

More examples

  • The diagram keeps the parts proportional.
  • The response was not proportional to the problem.
  • The quantities change in proportional amounts.

Forms

proportional

proportion noun — a comparative size or amount

Similar words

corresponding
Corresponding means matching in some relationship; proportional specifically follows a ratio.
commensurate
Commensurate means appropriately matched in degree; proportional can describe an exact mathematical relationship.