adjective
proportionate
pruh-POR-shuh-nut/prəˈpɔːrʃənət/
Appropriately matched in size, amount, degree, or seriousness.
Each pot is proportionate to the size of the plant it holds.
Etymology
The comparative-relation base became a verb meaning to adjust proportions, whose participle meant “proportioned.” This gives proportionate its sense of being adjusted to match something else in size, amount, or degree.
In context
spyware is sold as a counter and terrorism uh tool but it's used much more widely and you have i think the question is is it proportionate to the stated goal
More examples
- Each department receives funding proportionate to its number of employees.
- A calm warning seems like a proportionate response.
- The fee is proportionate to the amount of work involved.
Forms
proportionate
proportionately adverb — In an appropriately matching amount or degree.
disproportionate adjective — Too large or small for the circumstances.
Similar words
- commensurate
- Emphasizes correspondence in amount or degree, often involving deserved rewards.
- appropriate
- Suitable for the circumstances, without necessarily implying matched scale.
- proportional
- Often specifies a consistent numerical ratio rather than general appropriateness.