properly

adverb

prop·​er·​ly ˈprä-pər-lē 

: in a proper manner:

a

: in an acceptable or suitable way

behaving properly

trying to get the system to work properly

"Oh yes, I am not at all ashamed of it. I would have everybody marry if they can do it properly."

—Jane Austen

b

: in an accurate or correct way

It might more properly be termed a musical device than a musical form.

—Aaron Copland

Scoop out the seeds (properly called arils, a botanical term that includes the tiny actual seeds and the juicy, edible pulp around them).

—David Karp

Synonyms of properly

• correctly
• appropriately

Examples of properly in a Sentence

the scouts were properly dressed for a week of camping

Recent Examples on the Web

That is a teardown done properly. —Eric Stephens, New York Times, 15 May 2026

Naming beneficiaries and properly titling accounts are among the most common estate planning gaps, advisers said. —Medora Lee, USA Today, 14 May 2026

If it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability. —Joe Walsh, CBS News, 14 May 2026

Gutters and downspouts should be properly installed and maintained to divert water away from your home. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 14 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for properly

• improperly

Kids Definition

properly

adverb

prop·​er·​ly

ˈpräp-ər-lē

1

: in a fit or suitable way

behave properly in church

2

: according to fact : correctly

properly labeled goods

properly speaking, whales are not fish