properly

UK: /ˈprɒpə^rli/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

prop•er /ˈprɑpɚ/   adj. 

1. most suitable;
   right;
   correct:
   [before a noun] Is this the proper time to plant strawberries?
2. agreeing with established or accepted standards:
   proper behavior.
   [It + be + ~ + to + verb]
   It's not proper to come so late to parties.
3. in the strict sense:
   [after a noun] Shellfish do not belong to the class of fishes proper.
4. British Terms [Chiefly Brit.] utter;
   genuine:
   [before a noun] a proper fool.

prop•er•ly, adv. See -propr-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

prop•er  (prop′ər), adj. 

1. adapted or appropriate to the purpose or circumstances;
   fit;
   suitable:
   the proper time to plant strawberries.
2. conforming to established standards of behavior or manners;
   correct or decorous:
   a very proper young man.
3. fitting;
   right:
   It was only proper to bring a gift.
4. strictly belonging or applicable:
   the proper place for a stove.
5. belonging or pertaining exclusively or distinctly to a person, thing, or group.
6. strict;
   accurate.
7. in the strict sense of the word (usually used postpositively):
   Shellfish do not belong to the fishes proper. Is the school within Boston proper or in the suburbs?
8. Grammar
   • (of a name, noun, or adjective) designating a particular person or thing and written in English with an initial capital letter, as Joan, Chicago, Monday, American.
   • having the force or function of a proper name:
     a proper adjective.
9. normal or regular.
10. belonging to oneself or itself;
    own.
11. British Terms [Chiefly Brit. Informal.] complete or thorough:
    a proper thrashing.
12. Religion [Eccles.] used only on a particular day or festival:
    the proper introit.
13. Heraldry (of a device) depicted in its natural colors:
    an oak tree proper.
14. Informal Terms
    • excellent;
      capital;
      fine.
    • good-looking or handsome.
15. Mathematics (of a subset of a set) not equal to the whole set.
16. [Archaic.] of good character;
    respectable.

adv. 

17. Informal Terms thoroughly;
    completely.

n. 

18. Religion [Eccles.] a special office or special parts of an office appointed for a particular day or time.

• Latin proprius one's own
• Old French
• Middle English propre 1250–1300

prop′er•ly, adv. 
prop′er•ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. suited.
• 2, 3. meet, befitting, becoming, decent, polite.
• 5. special, individual, peculiar.
• 6. precise, exact, just, formal.