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
Jane Austen
b
: in an accurate or correct way
It might more properly be termed a musical device than a musical form.—Aaron Copland
Aaron CoplandScoop out the seeds (properly called arils, a botanical term that includes the tiny actual seeds and the juicy, edible pulp around them).—David Karp
David KarpExamples of properly in a Sentence
the scouts were properly dressed for a week of camping
Recent Examples on the Web
In March, Ford issued a recall for F-150 trucks, as well as the Maverick, Ranger, and more, due to a trailer module software issue that could stop trailer turn signal indicators, brake lamps, and even brakes from functioning properly.
—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
1 July 2026
Because a dictionary, properly understood, isn’t just a repository, but an atlas that sets the contours of the explorable world.
—
Literary Hub,
1 July 2026
Skunks dig up yards and can spray pets and kids if they are not handled properly.
—
Michelle Mastro,
The Spruce,
1 July 2026
Wright was a native of rural Wisconsin, but needed to be in a major city to properly work as an architect.
—
Maya Chawla,
Architectural Digest,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for properly
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Charles Singh,
USA Today,
1 July 2026
Because a dictionary, properly understood, isn’t just a repository, but an atlas that sets the contours of the explorable world.
—
Literary Hub,
1 July 2026
Skunks dig up yards and can spray pets and kids if they are not handled properly.
—
Michelle Mastro,
The Spruce,
1 July 2026
Wright was a native of rural Wisconsin, but needed to be in a major city to properly work as an architect.
—
Maya Chawla,
Architectural Digest,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for properly
Cite this Entry
“Properly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/properly. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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