proportionality

[/ˌprɔːpərʃəˈnæləti/]
nounfemininepl: proportionalidades
proporcionalidade
1. The quality or state of being proportional; the relationship between parts or things that are balanced or in correct relative size, amount, or degree
The proportionality of the architectural elements creates a harmonious design.
A proporcionalidade dos elementos arquitetônicos cria um design harmonioso.
2. In law and governance, the principle that any action or punishment should be appropriate and not excessive in relation to the offense or situation
The court must consider proportionality when imposing sentences.
O tribunal deve considerar a proporcionalidade ao impor sentenças.
3. In mathematics and physics, the mathematical relationship where two quantities vary in a constant ratio
The proportionality between force and acceleration is described by Newton's second law.
A proporcionalidade entre força e aceleração é descrita pela segunda lei de Newton.
In Brazil, 'proporcionalidade' is a fundamental legal principle used extensively in constitutional law and human rights discourse. The concept gained prominence in Brazilian jurisprudence through the Federal Supreme Court's interpretation of constitutional rights. In the USA, proportionality is crucial in criminal law sentencing guidelines and constitutional limitations on government action. Both cultures emphasize proportionality as a check against excessive or arbitrary exercise of power.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
balancesymmetrycongruencecorrespondenceratioharmony
Antonyms / Antônimos
disproportionimbalanceasymmetryexcessdeficiency

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
proporcionalidade
Standard usage in legal, mathematical, and general contexts
São Paulo
proporcionalidade
Commonly used in legal and business discourse
Rio de Janeiro
proporcionalidade
Standard usage, sometimes replaced with 'proporção' in casual speech
Portugal
proporcionalidade
Identical usage; formal term in legal and technical contexts

Related Words

proportionproportionalproportionateratiobalancesymmetryequivalence

Related Idioms & Phrases

in proportion to
out of proportion
sense of proportion
manter a proporcionalidade
fora de proporção
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