adjective

commensurate

kuh-MEN-shuh-rut

Commensurate (adjective) means matching something else in size, degree or importance; in proportion to it. Example: “The salary will be commensurate with experience.”

adjective

Matching something else in size, degree or importance; in proportion to it.

"The salary will be commensurate with experience."

"The sentence was not commensurate with the seriousness of the offence."

How to Use Commensurate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe right size or amount to match something else.

When to use it

Formal; extremely common in job advertisements in the phrase commensurate with experience.

Memory tip

It is followed by with, not to: commensurate with the risk.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

commiserate commensurable proportional →

Common pairings

commensurate with commensurate with experience commensurate pay commensurate level not commensurate with

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The salary will be _____ with experience.

Etymology

From late Latin commensuratus, from com- with and mensurare to measure, from mensura a measure.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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proportionate corresponding equivalent in keeping appropriate

Antonyms

disproportionate incommensurate

Related Words

take same similar becoming equal proper appropriate relevant

Rhymes for commensurate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does salary commensurate with experience mean?

It means the employer has not fixed the pay in advance and will set it according to how much relevant experience the successful candidate brings. In practice it signals a range rather than a number, so it is reasonable to ask what that range is.

What is the difference between commensurate and commiserate?

They sound alike but are unrelated. Commensurate is an adjective meaning proportionate. Commiserate is a verb meaning to express sympathy with someone over their bad luck.

Is it commensurate with or commensurate to?

With is the standard pairing and the one to use. Commensurate to appears occasionally but reads as an error to most editors.

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