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

Critics and opponents of the bill have insisted the legislation requires significant re-drafting to ensure any system properly protects vulnerable people.

Read more on BBC

If used properly, a VPN will change your IP address and spoof your location, making you harder to identify and profile, but it won’t make you completely anonymous.

Read more on Salon

You want your marshmallows to be as small as possible to make sure they get properly melted and toasted and everyone gets some of those sugary pillows in their serving.

Read more on Salon

These minerals and the lithium could - if properly recovered - be reused for green technologies such as electric car batteries or in wind turbines.

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Because the judge said Halligan wasn’t properly appointed, it isn’t clear if another attorney under her leadership could try again, said John Day, president of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• accordingly 
• accurately 
• perfectly 
• well