'proportionately' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'proportio,' where 'pro-' meant 'for' and 'portio' meant 'part or share.'

'proportio' transformed into the Old French word 'proportion,' and eventually became the modern English word 'proportionate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'in relation to a whole,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'in a way that corresponds in size, degree, or intensity.'