Entry Word: proper

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 following the established traditions of refined society and good taste <the formal ball called for proper attire—tuxedos and full-length gowns only>

Synonyms correct, decent, decorous, genteel, nice, polite, respectable, seemly

Related Words acceptable, adequate, satisfactory, tolerable; dress, dressy, formal; dignified, elegant, gracious; priggish, prim, stuffy; apt, material, relevant; compatible, congenial, harmonious; allowed, authorized, kosher, permitted

Near Antonyms intolerable, unacceptable, unsatisfactory; casual, grungy, informal; seedy, shabby, tacky; banned, barred, disallowed; forbidden, interdicted, outlawed, prohibited, proscribed; awkward, gauche, ungraceful

Antonyms improper, incorrect, indecent, indecorous, unbecoming, unseemly

2 being in agreement with the truth or a fact or a standard <there is really more than one proper way to pronounce that word in English> — see correct 1
3 marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details <we had nodded and said hello to one another but had never had a proper introduction> — see ceremonious 1
4 meeting the requirements of a purpose or situation <youʼll need to have a proper diet if you want to lose weight> — see fit 1
5 serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group <malaria and other diseases that are proper to the tropics> — see characteristic 1