Definition of properly
: 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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for properly
The first known use of properly was in the 13th century
See more words from the same century