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
During sleep, your brain clears waste, stores memories, and keeps brain cells (neurons) working properly.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 24 Apr. 2025
When properly arranged through official channels, a deferral should indeed hold your place for the following academic year.
—Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
In these settings, properly understanding human social cues and context is even more critical, as even small misjudgments in intention run the risk of injury.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2025
The cardinal had his passport confiscated after he was arrested in 2022 for allegedly failing to register the pro-democracy 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund properly.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for properly
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Lindsay Curtis, Health, 24 Apr. 2025
When properly arranged through official channels, a deferral should indeed hold your place for the following academic year.
—Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
In these settings, properly understanding human social cues and context is even more critical, as even small misjudgments in intention run the risk of injury.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2025
The cardinal had his passport confiscated after he was arrested in 2022 for allegedly failing to register the pro-democracy 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund properly.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 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 29 Apr. 2025.
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