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 KarpSynonyms
Examples of properly in a Sentence
the scouts were properly dressed for a week of camping
Recent Examples on the Web
It is believed that the jet's landing gear failed to deploy properly upon touchdown, according to a preliminary investigation.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
But before the space telescope could begin its survey of the universe, scientists had to ensure everything onboard was working properly.
—Greg Wehner, Fox News, 11 Feb. 2025
Because of the pandemic, Payne never properly promoted the album on the road, settling for a string of livestream shows instead.
—Federico Fahsbender, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025
Thomas reasoned that the museum hadn’t guided its staff properly in how to implement Trump’s executive order, and assured reporters the exhibit had been uncovered since.
—The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 11 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for properly 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
But before the space telescope could begin its survey of the universe, scientists had to ensure everything onboard was working properly.
—Greg Wehner, Fox News, 11 Feb. 2025
Because of the pandemic, Payne never properly promoted the album on the road, settling for a string of livestream shows instead.
—Federico Fahsbender, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025
Thomas reasoned that the museum hadn’t guided its staff properly in how to implement Trump’s executive order, and assured reporters the exhibit had been uncovered since.
—The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 11 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for properly
Dictionary Entries Near properly
Cite this Entry
“Properly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/properly. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share