commensurately

Commensurately is an adverb that means in a way that is proportional or corresponding in size, degree, or importance. It describes a relationship where two or more things are balanced or matched. For example, if a company's profits increase commensurately with its sales, it means that for every increase in sales, there was a corresponding increase in profits of a similar magnitude.

The word comes from the Latin word "commensus," meaning "measured together." It is often used to indicate a fair or equitable distribution. If rewards are distributed commensurately with effort, it suggests that those who worked harder or contributed more received greater recognition or compensation.

The concept of commensurability is important in various fields. In mathematics, two quantities are commensurable if their ratio can be expressed as a ratio of integers. In economics, commensurately is used to discuss the relationship between different economic indicators. For instance, inflation might rise commensurately with the money supply, implying a direct and proportional link. Similarly, in social contexts, a person's responsibilities might increase commensurately with their authority, indicating a balanced allocation of power and duty. Using "commensurately" helps to convey a sense of balance, proportion, and logical correspondence between related elements.