Words / C1

k-uh-MENSH-uh-r-uh-t/kəˈmenʃərət/

Commensurate means matching in size, quality, or degree: pay commensurate with experience. Proportional is a close synonym; fitting is everyday and looser. The set pattern is commensurate with. In speech, in line with or matching is enough. It is a favourite of job adverts and academic complaints about workload. Do not use it for two things that are merely both large.

Meaning

Matching in size, quality, or degree (commensurate with).

Examples

• “Pay should be commensurate with experience.”
• “The marking load was not commensurate with the hours in the contract.”
• “Responsibility should be commensurate with training, not with enthusiasm alone.”

Good to know

commensurate with. In proportion to. Everyday: in line with / matching. Close: proportional. Official/HR and academic tone.

Near in meaning

proportional

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