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

They will set us up properly and go back to what Rangers used to be and have a strong Scottish base who know the league and the pressure playing for Rangers will bring.

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Austin Beutner is planning to announce a challenge to Mayor Karen Bass in the 2026 election, arguing that the city has failed to properly respond to crime, rising housing costs and the devastating Palisades fire.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

England know they have not been properly challenged yet, and we will all learn where they are truly at as a team once the top two come to the party.

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Ms Wanjiru's family has long accused the British army of covering up her death and the Kenyan authorities of failing to properly investigate the case at the time.

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Lawyers for the victims say they have evidence showing the transmission line is not properly grounded, leading to two wildfires in six years.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accordingly 
• accurately 
• perfectly 
• well