properly

American

[prop-er-lee] / ˈprɒp ər li /

adverb

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

unproperly

adverb

Etymology

Origin of properly

proper ( def. ) + -ly

Vocabulary lists containing properly

Excerpt from "The Diary of a Young Girl"

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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.

California must properly fund trial-level public defense so defense attorneys can present ability-to-pay arguments and challenge unconstitutional bail amounts at arraignment.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Just a career built on doing everything properly and doing it better, more consistently, than almost anyone else.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

But the rules weren’t properly enforced, the people said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

In both cases, fat cells do not function properly.

From Science Daily • Apr. 30, 2026

With this relentless schedule my swimming, if I could call it that, soon improved enough to join properly in the work, or at least assist the others in doing it.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023