PROPERLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does properly mean? 

• PROPERLY (adverb)
  The adverb PROPERLY has 3 senses:

1. in the right manner; correctly; suitably

2. indicating exactness or preciseness

3. in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances

  Familiarity information: PROPERLY used as an adverb is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PROPERLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In the right manner; correctly; suitably

Synonyms:

decent; decently; properly; right

Context example:

can't you carry me decent?

Antonym:

improperly (in an improper way)

Pertainym:

proper (appropriate for a condition or purpose or occasion or a person's character, needs)

proper (marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Indicating exactness or preciseness

Synonyms:

exactly; just; precisely; properly

Context example:

Properly speaking, all true work is religion.

Sense 3

Meaning:

In accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances

Synonyms:

appropriately; befittingly; duly; fitly; fittingly; properly; suitably

Context example:

I met the junior senator from Illinois and I was duly impressed

Pertainym:

proper (appropriate for a condition or purpose or occasion or a person's character, needs)

proper (marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness)

 Context examples 

The scientists discovered that the apoE4 protein is not able to properly function in human neurons, and is broken down into fragments.

(Alzheimer's Disease Gene Successfully Removed From Human Brain, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)

You do not seem properly aware of her claims to notice.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

Longaker said the protein, when functioning properly, has the potential to address a serious problem in diabetics, whose bone problems are among the worst that doctors see.

(Protein Discovery Could Help Heal Bones in Diabetics, VOA)

Understand and properly respond to device alarms.

(Medical Device Safety, Food and Drug Administration)

The investigators report the transplanted cells functioned properly.

(Researchers rescue photoreceptors, prevent blindness in animal models of retinal degeneration, National Institutes of Health)

In the defective enzyme, the tunnel does not function properly.

(Alcohol Could be Toxic and Cause DNA Damage for Some People, NIH, US)

We are trying to develop a treatment that could actually, sort of, make the immune system to work properly rather than going in the wrong direction.

(Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Developed in Australia Shows Promise, VOA)

Experiments in cell cultures and mice revealed that the P376L SR-BI protein wasn’t processed properly by the cell and often failed to reach the cell surface.

(When HDL cholesterol doesn’t protect against heart disease, NIH)

OI is caused by one of several genes that aren't working properly.

(Osteogenesis Imperfecta, NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)

Stay with me; if you will do the work of my house properly for me, I will make you very happy.

(Fairy Tales, by The Brothers Grimm)