properly
PRO-puh-lee
Properly (adv) means In a correct, suitable, or appropriate manner. Example: “Please make sure the equipment is stored properly after use.”
adv
1
In a correct, suitable, or appropriate manner.
"Please make sure the equipment is stored properly after use."
"He never learned to tie his shoelaces properly."
"If you don't fasten the lid properly, the soup will leak everywhere."
2
Strictly speaking; in the exact or narrow sense of a word.
"Properly speaking, a tomato is a fruit, not a vegetable."
"Properly speaking, a whale is a mammal and not a fish."
"The term applies properly only to officers of the highest rank."
How to use properly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe right way, or — before a noun phrase — "strictly speaking."
Common pairings
properly speaking
behave properly
properly trained
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more properly
- Superlative
- most properly
Fill the gap
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Please make sure the equipment is stored _____ after use.
Etymology
From proper + the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Synonyms
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correctly
suitably
appropriately
rightly
aptly
fittingly
adequately
right
decent
decently
by rights
in good order
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for properly
See all rhymes for properly →Frequently asked questions
What does “properly” mean?
The word “properly” means in a correct, suitable, or appropriate manner. In plain terms, the right way, or — before a noun phrase — "strictly speaking.".
How do you pronounce “properly”?
“Properly” is pronounced PRO-puh-lee (/ˈpɹɑpɚli/ in IPA).
How do you use “properly” in a sentence?
Here is “properly” used in a sentence: “Please make sure the equipment is stored properly after use.”
What part of speech is “properly”?
“Properly” is an adverb.
Is “properly” a common word?
“Properly” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “properly” have?
“Properly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a correct, suitable, or appropriate manner.
What is the difference between properly and correctly?
Correctly means without error, matching the right answer or rule, like spelling a word correctly. Properly means in a suitable, fitting, or thorough way, doing something as it should be done. You can do a task correctly yet not properly if it is right but rushed or incomplete. Properly carries a sense of doing full justice to it.
What is the opposite of properly?
The direct opposite is 'improperly', meaning in an unsuitable or incorrect way. Related opposites include 'wrongly', 'badly', and 'carelessly', all describing something done poorly or against the correct method. Where properly means done as it should be, its opposites describe falling short of that standard.
What is an example of properly?
'Wash your hands properly' means doing it thoroughly and in the correct way, not just a quick rinse. Other examples include a door that won't close properly, or advice to eat properly. In each, properly signals that something is done fully and correctly rather than halfway or the wrong way.
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