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

• correctly
• appropriately

Examples of properly in a Sentence

the scouts were properly dressed for a week of camping

Recent Examples on the Web

Consuming enough water is important for your body to function properly, and hydrated tissues can absorb nutrients more effectively. —Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 14 Oct. 2025

Cooked onions can be frozen for up to a year so long as they are wrapped and stored properly. —Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2025

Check that all your kitchen appliances and gadgets work properly and are used regularly. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2025

These are often the most severe bacterial infections—resulting in sepsis, organ failure and death if not treated properly or effectively. —Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025

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