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Synonyms

properly

American  
[prop-er-lee] / ˈprɒp ər li /

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

Etymology

Origin of properly

proper ( def. ) + -ly

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.