SINCE 1828
properly
adverb
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
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
Farm Idioms Quiz
-
- What does 'poke' refer to in the expression 'pig in a poke'?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Farm Idioms Quiz
Not your children's farm quiz.
Take the quiz -
Up in the Sky: A Quiz
It's a bird? It's a plane? No, I'm really asking. What is it?
Take the quiz -
Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz -
Syn City
Build a city of skyscrapers—one synonym at a time.
Play the game
Share properly
Resources for properly