# properly

Pronunciation: US say "PRAH-pur-lee" /ˈpɹɑ.pɚ.li/; UK say "PROP-uh-lee" /ˈpɹɒp.ə.li/

## Adverb

1. In a manner that is correct, suitable, or appropriate to the circumstances.
   - Simple: In a way that is correct and right for the situation.
   - _The form had not been filled out properly, so the office sent it back._
   - _If you train the dog properly, it will respond the first time you call._
2. Strictly, with a word or category taken in its exact, true sense and no looser one; often in the set phrase properly speaking.
   - Simple: In the exact and true meaning of a word or group, often in "properly speaking".
   - _Properly speaking, the war ended with the treaty, not with the ceasefire a year earlier._
   - _The koala is not properly a bear at all, though many people still call it one._
3. Completely, thoroughly, or to a great extent. *(colloquial, UK)*
   - Simple: Completely or very much.
   - _By the time we got home we were properly soaked through._
   - _He got properly annoyed when he saw the state of the kitchen._

## Adverb

4. Individually, or in a manner of one's own. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: By yourself alone, in your own way.

## Origin

Formed from "proper" combined with the suffix "-ly".

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/properly (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).