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
Glassman said the family’s legal team is looking into whether Khimberly was properly examined during her initial hospitalization.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
These are also machine washable, meaning despite coffee spills and the general wear and tear of a fitful sleeper, these can be properly cleaned in the wash.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 11 Mar. 2026
For instance, casual internet users are going to have very different priorities than someone who works from home and needs reliable high-speed internet in order to function properly.
—William Jones
march 11, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
Ahead, find the retinal creams and serums that dermatologists consider the (vitamin) A-list of the category; plus, insights on how to properly incorporate them.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for properly
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Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
These are also machine washable, meaning despite coffee spills and the general wear and tear of a fitful sleeper, these can be properly cleaned in the wash.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 11 Mar. 2026
For instance, casual internet users are going to have very different priorities than someone who works from home and needs reliable high-speed internet in order to function properly.
—William Jones
march 11, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
Ahead, find the retinal creams and serums that dermatologists consider the (vitamin) A-list of the category; plus, insights on how to properly incorporate them.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 11 Mar. 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 18 Mar. 2026.
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