incommensurate
UK[ˌɪnkəˈmenʃərət]US[ˌɪnkəˈmenʃərət]
adj
not in proportion or appropriate relation to something else; out of keeping.
adj
(mathematics) of two quantities) having no common measure.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
commensurate
in
not
commensurate
proportionate
Etymology
the word 'incommensurate' is built upon the foundation of its positive counterpart, 'commensurate'. the latin prefix in- functions as a straightforward negator, akin to 'un-'. the core element, 'commensurate', originates from the latin verb metiri 'to measure', combined with the intensive prefix com- to imply a shared or comparable standard of measurement. therefore, the literal construction 'not measured together' evolved into the modern abstract sense of being disproportionate or lacking a common basis for comparison. in mathematics, this logic is preserved more directly, describing quantities that share no common unit of measure.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + commensurate (proportionate)
in- (latin origin, a prefix meaning 'not'); commensurate (from latin com- 'together' + mensura 'a measure', meaning 'proportionate').
Examples
the punishment was incommensurate with the minor offense.
there is an incommensurate gap between the funding requested and the funding available.
the two theories are based on incommensurate paradigms, making direct comparison difficult.