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

People in this area are urged to properly dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and any other flammable items in appropriate containers. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026

To properly identify cucumber beetles, Nieusma recommends checking under the leaves, inside blossoms, and at the base of the vine, where these pests tend to hide in the soil. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026

That includes understanding how to stage information carefully during diligence, protecting your intellectual property properly and knowing where additional caution is necessary. —Daniela Schardinger, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

They’re not being fed properly, if at all. —Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 18 June 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