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

The suit claims MassMutual failed to supervise Uhls properly, which led him to defrauding investors. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026

Sorting laundry properly is essential not just for reducing drying time and energy use, but also for protecting delicate and performance fabrics, therefore saving you money by preventing damage. — Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 16 Oct. 2026

In his dismissal of the case, Judge Montano said that the state didn’t call certain witnesses after the grand jury asked to hear from them and failed to properly instruct jurors on procedures. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026

The Dutch state approved the return of some artworks, while also saying the matter had been properly settled. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 16 Oct. 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