noun

proportionality

pruh-por-shuh-NAL-uh-tee/prəˌpɔːrʃəˈnæləti/

The quality of being suitably matched in size, degree, or effect.

The miniature chair maintains proportionality by reducing every dimension equally.

A full-size wooden chair beside a miniature replica, with the seat, back, legs and crossbars all reduced by the same factor, making balanced relative dimensions visibly comparable.

Etymology

proportionLatincomparative relation, analogy

+alLatinpertaining to

+ityLatinstate or quality

The endings turn a comparative relation into the quality of having that relation. Here, proportionality means that size, amount, or degree stands in a proper relation to something else.

In context

ENDEVR35:24

if you focus on proportionality, that is are people getting out in proportion of their inputs?

The Price of Fairness: Why Do We Accept Inequality And Social Injustice? | ENDEVR Documentary

More examples

Firing someone for one late arrival shows a lack of proportionality.
The policy requires proportionality between safety measures and actual risks.
The architect checks the proportionality of the addition to the original house.

Forms

proportionality

proportional adjective — Suitably matched in size, degree, or effect.

Similar words

appropriateness: Means general suitability, not specifically a match in degree.
balance: Emphasizes harmonious relationships among parts rather than matching a response.