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.
But it also has a large residential population, who have become increasingly exasperated with tourists who fail to properly dispose of rubbish, smoke where they're not supposed to, and make too much noise.
From Barron's ● Sep. 7, 2026
“We intend to address the issues through the appropriate legal process, where the relevant facts and documentation can be properly presented and considered.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026
Questions also arose about whether the Clippers were properly reimbursed for Leonard’s expenses.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2026
"Every child deserves to start the school year feeling confident, with school uniform and shoes that fit properly," said head of operations Elaine Bailey.
From BBC ● Sep. 2, 2026
I couldn’t hear properly anymore, and I couldn’t get the air or water or whatever it was out of them.
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.
