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

If stored properly, potatoes can last for three months or more. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026

Ensure the survey was conducted by a licensed surveyor and that the boundary markers and legal descriptions were properly reviewed. —Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026

In the wake of Kirk’s murder, and the high-profile punishments incurred by those who weren’t properly remorseful, Kirk morphed into one of the most widespread memes in recent memory. —Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2026

In order to properly convey Michael's cultural effect and legacy, director Antoine Fuqua utilized several of the real places where Michael performed, lived and filmed music videos. —Staff Author, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 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