properly

[ prop-er-lee ]

adverb

1. in a way that is appropriate to the purpose or circumstances; suitably:

   Students should ensure that a current valid parking permit is properly displayed on their vehicle.

2. correctly:

   His recent statement gave the wrong impression and does not properly reflect where he stands on the issue.

3. in a way that conforms to established standards of behavior or manners:

   They usually dress very properly, but sometimes a bit daringly, hoping to start the latest new trend.

Other Words From

• un·prop·er·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of properly¹

proper ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

As well as lithium-ion batteries, vapes also contain circuit boards which - if not disposed of properly - can leach toxic compounds such as cobalt and copper into the environment as they degrade.

From BBC

Patel is not just another Trump guy, then, but properly understood as the leader of his official fan club.

From Salon

"We recently reinstated the School Support Staff Negotiating Body, which aims to make sure they are properly valued and respected as the professionals they are."

From BBC

First, shifting the power to lay and collect tariffs back to Congress would mean that major tariff proposals are properly debated.

From Los Angeles Times

Laxamana described coming to work one morning in October and realizing results of tests she had run the day before had not been analyzed properly by lab staff.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accordingly
• accurately
• perfectly
• well