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.

Alberts, an award-winning chemist, worries that the administration will not properly fund scientific endeavors, leading to economic setbacks with fewer advancements made.

From Salon • May 7, 2026

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

Without insulin, the body cannot properly absorb glucose from the bloodstream, leading to dangerous blood sugar levels.

From Science Daily • 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

In the end, the effect is the same: a damaged cell cannot function properly.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

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