properly

B1 Topic:Describing Qualities

US /ˈpɹɒp.li/ UK /ˈpɹɒp.ə.li/ See IPA manual

Freq #2294

Meanings

1

adv
In the correct or right way.

Please do your job properly.
2

adv
In a suitable or appropriate manner.

Make sure the children are properly dressed for the cold.
3

adv
Completely or thoroughly (informal).

I was properly tired after the long walk.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 adv · in the correct or right way. correctly right

2 adv · in a suitable or... appropriately suitably

3 adv · completely or thoroughly... completely thoroughly

Word family

Derived forms improperly

Appears in

Phrases (1)

See all

properly balanced
arranged so that different parts are in suitable proportion

Adverb + adjective

Etymology

From proper + -ly.

Topics

Describing Qualities Register & Style

External links

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