Commensurately

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a manner that reflects a balance or equivalence among different elements, it suggests a proportional relationship to the relevant factors involved
2. In a way that indicates a suitable measure or proportion relevant to differing aspects involved
3. In a way that corresponds in size, degree, or amount to something else

Etymology: "Commensurately" is simply "commensurate" with the adverbial ending "-ly" added, and the ending itself has a long pedigree. The "-ly" suffix descends from Old English "-līce," which came from a Proto-Germanic form built on a root meaning "body" or "form," so an adverb like this is literally a description of something done in the manner of a particular shape or appearance. The base word "commensurate" comes from the Latin "commensuratus," meaning "measured together with," built from "com-" (together) and "mensura" (measure). Its core sense is therefore about two things being measured against a common standard, and "commensurately" carries that idea into adverbial use: something happens in proportion to something else, with each side matched to a shared yardstick.

Synonyms: proportionately, correspondingly