Word
proportionately
Phoneticspro·por·tion·ate·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹəˈpɔɹʃənətɫi/
UK/pɹəpˈɔːʃənətli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that matches in size or amount. If one thing gets bigger, the other gets bigger by the same share.
adv. in due proportion to something else; to a degree corresponding in size, amount, or intensity. Typically modifies verbs or adjectives describing change in scale.
Examples
“Smaller cars use proportionately less fuel than big cars.”
“The bakery cuts prices proportionately when customers buy in bulk, so a dozen rolls cost much less per roll.”
“As the city expanded outward, funding for suburban schools rose proportionately, reflecting both higher enrolment and the rising cost of maintaining distant facilities.”
Examples
simple
“Smaller cars use proportionately less fuel than big cars.”
contextual
“The bakery cuts prices proportionately when customers buy in bulk, so a dozen rolls cost much less per roll.”
complex
“As the city expanded outward, funding for suburban schools rose proportionately, reflecting both higher enrolment and the rising cost of maintaining distant facilities.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “proportionately” in context.
Verb
01. decrease proportionately
“If sales fall, staffing costs must decrease proportionately.”
verb + adverb
02. divide proportionately
“The inheritance was divided proportionately among the three children.”
verb + adverb
03. increase proportionately
“Salaries should increase proportionately with the cost of living.”
verb + adverb
04. respond proportionately to
“Governments should respond proportionately to security threats.”
verb + adverb + prep
Adjective
05. proportionately fewer
“Rural areas have proportionately fewer doctors than big cities.”
adverb + adj
06. proportionately larger
“The new flat is proportionately larger than the old one for the higher rent.”
adverb + adj
07. proportionately smaller
“Smaller firms pay proportionately smaller bonuses than large corporations.”
adverb + adj
Noun
08. proportionately to size
“Funding is allocated proportionately to size of the school.”
adverb + prep + noun
09. divide profits proportionately
“The partners divide profits proportionately at the end of each year.”
10. grow proportionately in size
“Children's portions should grow proportionately in size with age.”
11. increase proportionately with demand
“Prices increase proportionately with demand during peak season.”
12. pay proportionately more tax
“People with higher incomes pay proportionately more tax.”
Usage
Typically placed before the adjective it modifies or after the verb; often followed by a comparison with 'to'.
Real-World Examples
“Developing nations put proportionately more of their research effort into sustainability than richer countries, a Unesco study has revealed.” Etymology
From proportionate + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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