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

Because these crimes were not properly investigated, so many more girls and women were harmed. —November 18, CBS News, 18 Nov. 2025

These cells require sufficient water to maintain their structure and function properly, a process known as cellular hydration. —Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 17 Nov. 2025

Used properly, the platform can be a powerful way to grow an audience that will pack in for shows, long before a comic is on the radar of Hollywood executives. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 17 Nov. 2025

However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. —Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 17 Nov. 2025

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