prop·er·ly
| \ ˈprä-pər-lē
\
\
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
Keep scrolling for more
Learn More about properly
Dictionary Entries near properly
See More Nearby EntriesStatistics for properly
Look-up Popularity
Cite this Entry
“Properly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/properly. Accessed 20 Apr. 2021.
Style: MLA
MLA
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for properly
properly
adverb
English Language Learners Definition of properly
: in a way that is acceptable or suitable
: in a way that is accurate or correct
See the full definition for properly in the English Language Learners Dictionary
properly
adverb
prop·er·ly
| \ ˈprä-pər-lē \
Kids Definition of properly
1
: in a fit or suitable way
Students should dress properly.
2
: according to fact
Properly speaking, whales are not fish.
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on properly
What made you want to look up properly? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Name that Thing: Flower Edition
-
- Name that flower
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Spell words. Make bears.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share properly
Time Traveler for properly
The first known use of properly was in the 13th century
See more words from the same century