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
When protein is properly digested, it’s converted into amino acids and peptides, whereas undigested proteins can alter the intestinal environment.
—Misaki Kawatsu, Vogue, 10 June 2025
But here’s the catch: Estate freezes take time to set up properly.
—Anatoly Iofe, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Five split following the release of their third album, Kingsize, in 2001, then attempted a comeback in 2006 before properly reuniting, without Brown, in 2012 for the first in a series of comeback tours.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 9 June 2025
But in the near term, AI could give Apple another means to encourage iPhone upgrades if executed properly.
—Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for properly
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Misaki Kawatsu, Vogue, 10 June 2025
But here’s the catch: Estate freezes take time to set up properly.
—Anatoly Iofe, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Five split following the release of their third album, Kingsize, in 2001, then attempted a comeback in 2006 before properly reuniting, without Brown, in 2012 for the first in a series of comeback tours.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 9 June 2025
But in the near term, AI could give Apple another means to encourage iPhone upgrades if executed properly.
—Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for properly
Cite this Entry
“Properly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/properly. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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