properly
Americanadverb
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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.
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correctly.
His recent statement gave the wrong impression and does not properly reflect where he stands on the issue.
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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.
You can’t properly envision that, no matter how many times you’ve been here.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 11, 2026
He insists the council was lawfully set up in 2024 and that he was properly appointed.
From BBC • Jul. 11, 2026
Those columns might not have been properly reinforced to support additions to the top floors, he said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 10, 2026
CASC’s Long March 12A rocket was tested last December but failed to properly land, according to Space News.
From MarketWatch • Jul. 10, 2026
But if that man loses his cows because he doesn’t care for them properly, or is too lazy to take them to better pastures, no one will pay attention.
From "Facing the Lion" by Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton and Herman Viola
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.
