properly

[prop-er-lee]

adverb

1. 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.

2. correctly.

   His recent statement gave the wrong impression and does not properly reflect where he stands on the issue.

3. 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of properly¹

proper ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Norris remains a strong favourite, but while his lead over Piastri is changed only a little, Verstappen is now properly in the game.

Read more on BBC

She flagged that the lock to her stateroom’s bathroom wasn’t working properly.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

One of the most fascinating things for me when I watch modern-day football is that it feels like no-one values defending properly any more.

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The New York regulator fined Deutsche Bank for failing to properly monitor its dealings with Epstein.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Investors are less keen on spending heavily now in the hope that in the distant future we get properly intelligent machines able to outperform humans.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• accordingly 
• accurately 
• perfectly 
• well