properly

adverb

prop·​er·​ly ˈprä-pər-lē How to pronounce properly (audio)
: 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

Examples of properly in a Sentence

the scouts were properly dressed for a week of camping
Recent Examples on the Web Third Breach: October 20, 2024 The third breach is a direct consequence of the same root problem that led to the first and second attacks: the failure to properly manage and rotate access tokens. Lars Daniel, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 Merrick was not wearing a seat belt when the cars crashed, but troopers said Frazer was properly restrained. Fox19 Staff, The Enquirer, 19 Oct. 2024 Malrotation: The large intestine doesn't rotate properly, resulting in abnormal placement of the large intestine. Cristina Mutchler, Health, 19 Oct. 2024 This pressure can help ensure that the blood clot needed to protect the surface of the socket properly forms. Maxine Lipner, Verywell Health, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for properly 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'properly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of properly was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near properly

Cite this Entry

“Properly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/properly. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on properly

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