properly
Americanadverb
-
in a way that is appropriate to the purpose or circumstances; suitably.
Students should ensure that a current valid parking permit is properly displayed on their vehicle.
-
correctly.
His recent statement gave the wrong impression and does not properly reflect where he stands on the issue.
-
in a way that conforms to established standards of behavior or manners.
They usually dress very properly, but sometimes a bit daringly, hoping to start the latest new trend.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of properly
Vocabulary lists containing properly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As Suleyman properly saw the constitution, it virtually took it as read that Claude could become conscious.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2026
“They released me into society completely unprepared. I didn’t understand my body properly and ended up in an accident,” he said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 3, 2026
That’s the consequence of doing your job properly, and that’s okay.
From Salon ● Nov. 2, 2026
Achieving that goal would require researchers to demonstrate that transplanted cells can survive, connect properly with the eye's existing circuitry, and function safely.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 31, 2026
He heard Mal laugh, properly, for the first time in days.
From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
