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Sunday July 26, 2009

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commensurate [kuh-MEN(T)S-ur-it]

adjective

1. Equal in measure or extent.
2. Having a common measure; commensurable.
3. Reducible to a common measure; as, commensurate quantities.

• He promised he would scream until he couldn't anymore and that the band would play until they dropped, if the audience would offer a commensurate effort.
  Sarah Rodman, "Bronx provides eventful hour of primal scream therapy", Boston Globe, Apr 27, 2009
• Many employers are already seeking pay cuts, with or without a commensurate reduction in hours worked.
  Sean O'Grady, "Prices fall on the high street for first time in 50 years", The Independent, Apr 22, 2009
• The tower has a feeling of dignity and grandeur, commensurate with its scale and setting. However, its great height is not apparent, owing largely to its breadth of base.
  Eugen Neuhaus (1879-1963) An American lecturer, author and teacher. The Art of the Exposition (1915)

Origin of the Word

Commensurate, approximately 1400, derives from Late Latin, 'commensuratus', from Latin 'com-' together + Late Latin 'mensuratus,' past participle of 'mensurare': to measure, from Latin 'mensura': measure.