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

• correctly
• appropriately

Examples of properly in a Sentence

the scouts were properly dressed for a week of camping

Recent Examples on the Web

Unhealthy roots can’t properly absorb nutrients the plant needs. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025

The lawsuit alleges the property was not properly licensed for rental and did not have appropriate smoke detectors. —Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 21 Oct. 2025

Therefore, they should be properly stored in a place where they can be kept safe from mildew and pests. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025

My goal is to make sure Town Council allocates funds properly to make sure the needs of the Pineville community are met. —Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 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