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.
Worldwide, only 22.3 percent of electronic waste was properly collected and recycled in 2022, according to a United Nations report.
From Barron's ● Aug. 4, 2026
Even though people are willing to spend $5,000 on a toilet, they end up hiring a plumber who doesn’t install it properly, which becomes an expensive mistake, Linn said.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 1, 2026
Salt water can trigger unwanted chemical reactions and interfere with the movement of ions, making it difficult for many materials to function properly.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 1, 2026
In late 2025, campaigners brought legal action against the government and health bodies claiming the trial was unethical and that children could not give properly informed consent.
From BBC ● Jul. 31, 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
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
