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
Note that yogurt can still be enjoyed past the sell-by and use-by dates if stored properly.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
The Dyneema Composite Fabric 8 (DCF 8) tub floor extends 9 inches (23 cm) in height to better protect from blowing rain and ground water, while the properly tiny holes of the no-see-um mesh keep even minuscule gnats and biting midges out while letting air circulate freely.
—New Atlas, 17 May 2025
Dehydration If not treated properly, excessive thirst and urination (both common signs of diabetes) can lead to dehydration.
—Daniel Combs, Verywell Health, 16 May 2025
A bit of Cannes social topography is required to understand this properly.
—Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for properly
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Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
The Dyneema Composite Fabric 8 (DCF 8) tub floor extends 9 inches (23 cm) in height to better protect from blowing rain and ground water, while the properly tiny holes of the no-see-um mesh keep even minuscule gnats and biting midges out while letting air circulate freely.
—New Atlas, 17 May 2025
Dehydration If not treated properly, excessive thirst and urination (both common signs of diabetes) can lead to dehydration.
—Daniel Combs, Verywell Health, 16 May 2025
A bit of Cannes social topography is required to understand this properly.
—Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 16 May 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 May. 2025.
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