Pronunciation: [nˌɒt pɹəpˈɔːʃənət] (IPA) 
The word "not proportionate" is spelled /nɒt prəˈpɔːʃ(ə)nət/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "o" sound, as in "lot," and the second syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, as in "the." The stress is on the third syllable, with a long "o" sound, as in "boat." The word refers to something that is not in the correct or appropriate ratio in comparison to something else.
"Not proportionate" refers to a situation or condition in which the elements or factors involved are not in balance or harmony, lacking a proportional or fitting relationship between them. It describes a state where the relationship between different aspects or quantities is not equal or consistent, resulting in an imbalance or discrepancy.
In practical terms, when something is not proportionate, it means that there is an unequal distribution or allocation of resources, effort, or consideration, leading to an incongruity or inconsistency in the outcome. This lack of proportionality can occur in various contexts, including financial, ethical, legal, or physical scenarios.
For example, in a financial context, if a person's income is much lower than the cost of their basic necessities, it can be considered as not proportionate. Similarly, in legal matters, a punishment that exceeds the severity of a committed offense may be deemed not proportionate. Ethically, an action that causes a disproportionate amount of harm compared to the intended benefit could be seen as not proportionate. Additionally, in physical terms, objects or structures that are not proportionate might be visually unappealing or unstable due to an imbalance in their dimensions.
Overall, when something is not proportionate, it implies a lack of equilibrium or fairness, with the elements involved being out of sync or out of harmony with each other.
The etymology of the word "not proportionate" can be understood by examining the individual roots of the word.
1. Not: This is a negative prefix derived from the Old English word "not", meaning "to lack" or "to be without". It is often used to negate the meaning of a word or phrase.
2. Proportionate: This word is derived from the Latin word "proportio", which means "proportion". It refers to a comparative relationship or balance between different elements. The suffix "-ate" in "proportionate" is used to form adjectives or verbs from nouns.
When these two roots are combined, "not proportionate" indicates a lack of balance, equality, or symmetry between different parts or aspects of something.
