pro
per
ly
1
in a correct or satisfactory manner
- The machine will not run properly if it's not cleaned regularly.
- Please make sure the documents are properly formatted before submitting.
- He didn't tie his shoes properly and tripped.
- If the ingredients aren't measured properly, the recipe might fail.
- The pipes weren't installed properly, which caused the leak.
Antonyms:
2
in a manner suited to the occasion or respectful of expected behavior or norms
- Guests are expected to dress properly for the ceremony.
- She didn't think he was behaving properly at the dinner table.
- He spoke properly and clearly throughout the interview.
- Please sit properly during class and stop slouching.
- The children were taught to treat elders properly.
Antonyms:
3
used to specify something in its precise or formal definition
- That part of the city isn't London properly, but a nearby borough.
- The term "planet" properly refers to bodies that orbit the sun and clear their orbits.
- She's not a scientist properly speaking, but she works in a research setting.
- It isn't a novel properly, it's more of a memoir.
- That's not cheese properly made; it's a processed product.
4
fully or entirely, used for emphasis
- I haven't eaten properly since yesterday.
- That match was properly exciting!
- She's only just started to feel properly better.
- He was properly soaked after walking home in the rain.
- This is the first time I've felt properly awake all week.