proportionality

[pruh-pawr-shuh-nal-i-tee]

noun

1. the fact or quality of being in proper balance or relation as to size or quantity, degree, severity, etc..

   Even a defensive response to an unjust attack may go far beyond legitimate defense if it causes destruction that violates the principle of proportionality.

Word History and Origins

Origin of proportionality¹

First recorded in 1425–75 in a different sense; proportional ( def. ) + -ity ( def. )

Example Sentences

But where “The Monkey’s” snide sense of humor about its kills quickly grew smug, this time Perkins’ light touch — even during the most frightening moments — gives this slight film just the right proportionality.

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Our study drew on moral foundations theory, which proposes that people’s sense of right and wrong is built on six core values – care, equality, proportionality, loyalty, authority and purity.

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But Meloni has also spoken recently of "too many innocent victims" in Gaza and said the response of Benjamin Netanyahu's government to the Hamas terror attacks of 2023 had "gone beyond the principle of proportionality".

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He added that the principle of the proportionality of force is violated "if you use anything more than a pistol".

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Regarding proportionality, international law addresses this in two distinct ways.

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Related Words

• proportion 
• quota 
• rate 
• scale