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
Standard waste practices such as landfilling, mechanical recycling, and incineration fail to manage plastic properly and often generate secondary pollution.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2025
In order to properly tell its decades-spanning mystery, Origins and NCIS will be switching their respective time slots for the evening.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
Its popularity stems not only from the combination of high-quality Trader Joe’s ingredients but also from the method of preparation, which emphasizes properly toasting the focaccia to achieve a crisp, golden exterior.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2025
Potassium helps your heart, brain, and nerves function properly.
—Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for properly
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Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2025
In order to properly tell its decades-spanning mystery, Origins and NCIS will be switching their respective time slots for the evening.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
Its popularity stems not only from the combination of high-quality Trader Joe’s ingredients but also from the method of preparation, which emphasizes properly toasting the focaccia to achieve a crisp, golden exterior.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2025
Potassium helps your heart, brain, and nerves function properly.
—Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 27 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 2025.
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