proper

The word “proper” means right, fitting, or appropriate for a given purpose or situation. In plain terms, correct, suitable, or belonging specifically to something — depending on context it can mean "the right way to do it" or "the exact/core thing itself" (as in "the city proper").

“Proper” is pronounced PRO-puh (/ˈpɹɑpɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “proper” used in a sentence: “Make sure you're wearing the proper safety gear before entering the site.”

“Proper” is an adjective.

The word “proper” comes from Latin. From Middle English propre, via Anglo-Norman and Old French propre, from Latin proprius, meaning "one's own" or "particular to oneself.".

“Proper” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Proper” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: right, fitting, or appropriate for a given purpose or situation.

"Correct" means free from error — the right answer or fact. "Proper" means suitable, fitting, or done in the accepted way for a situation. A correct spelling is simply accurate; proper behaviour follows expected standards. Something can be correct yet not proper, and proper yet not strictly a matter of right and wrong.

"Proper" means appropriate or fitting, as in proper attire; correct or accepted, as in the proper way; respectable or well-mannered, as in very proper; and genuine or complete, as in a proper meal. In grammar, a proper noun names a specific person or place. British slang also uses it to mean thorough.

In the sense of correct or appropriate, "proper" is standard in all writing. Used to mean real or thorough — a proper cup of tea, a proper laugh — it is informal and especially common in British English. As a bare intensifier, as in "proper good," it is regional and casual.

The opposite of proper is "improper," "unsuitable," or "inappropriate." Depending on the sense, antonyms include "wrong," "unfitting," and, for behaviour, "rude" or "unseemly." Where proper means correct and fitting, these words mean the reverse.