adv

properly

PRO-puh-lee

adv

In a correct, suitable, or appropriate manner.

"Please make sure the equipment is stored properly after use."

"He never learned to tie his shoelaces properly."

Strictly speaking; in the exact or narrow sense of a word.

"Properly speaking, a tomato is a fruit, not a vegetable."

How to Use Properly

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe right way, or — before a noun phrase — "strictly speaking."

Common pairings

properly speaking behave properly properly trained

more properly comparative, most properly superlative

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Please make sure the equipment is stored _____ after use.

From proper + the adverb-forming suffix -ly.

overly miserly orderly elderly utterly eagerly Beverly Waverly fatherly motherly westerly formerly