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
In addition to fines, a court may order people convicted of a first offense to attend traffic school or a program to learn how to properly use safety belts, according to California code.
—Kendrick Marshall, Sacramento Bee, 30 Jan. 2025
When these valves don’t close properly, blood can flow both ways instead of just upward, leading to pooling around the valves.
—Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 30 Jan. 2025
Even though the bibs are fully waterproof, you’ll be properly ventilated thanks to the side vents.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2025
Your tax form is on time if it is properly addressed and mailed on or before the due date.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for properly 
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Kendrick Marshall, Sacramento Bee, 30 Jan. 2025
When these valves don’t close properly, blood can flow both ways instead of just upward, leading to pooling around the valves.
—Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 30 Jan. 2025
Even though the bibs are fully waterproof, you’ll be properly ventilated thanks to the side vents.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2025
Your tax form is on time if it is properly addressed and mailed on or before the due date.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 30 Jan. 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 2 Feb. 2025.
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