Synonyms

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.

"Used properly, AI can open doors to whole new realms to explore."

From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2026

The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General raised alarms about the program in a 2022 memorandum, saying the department wasn’t properly tracking complaints about potential fraud.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

In another statement, Wiggins said he was "devastated" by the death of his "bright, funny" daughter and questioned if she might still be alive had "people done their job properly".

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

“We know what needs to be done to properly resume sales,” and those plans are under way.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

He didn’t want his brain working properly now.

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

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