commensurate

/kəˈmɛnsərɪt/

/kəˈmɛnsərɪt/

Other forms: commensurately

The word commensurate has to do with things that are similar in size and therefore appropriate. Many people think the death penalty is a commensurate punishment for murder. In other words, the penalty fits the crime.

When things are commensurate, they're fair, appropriate, and the right size. If you got a ticket for jaywalking, you shouldn't get ten years in prison — that penalty is not commensurate with the crime. The word commensurate is usually followed by with or to; one thing is commensurate with or to another.

Definitions of commensurate

1. adjective

   corresponding in size or degree or extent
   “pay should be commensurate with the time worked”

   synonyms:

   coextensive, conterminous, coterminous

   being of equal extent or scope or duration

   commensurable

   capable of being measured by a common standard

   proportionate

   agreeing in amount, magnitude, or degree

   equal

   having the same quantity, value, or measure as another

   antonyms:

   incommensurate

   not corresponding in size or degree or extent

   disproportionate

   not corresponding in size, extent, or degree

   incommensurable

   not having a common factor

   unequal

   poorly balanced or matched in quantity or value or measure