properlyadverb
uk/ˈprɒp.əl.i/us/ˈprɑː.pɚ.li/properly adverb (CORRECTLY)
correctly, or in a satisfactory way:
It's still not working properly.
I'm not properly dressed for this kind of weather.
I think you should take it somewhere to have it repaired properly.
Come on, Evie, speak properly - you're not a baby any more!
More examples
- We need to ensure that handwriting is properly taught in our primary schools.
- You obviously didn't read the instructions properly.
- It takes about five minutes to iron a shirt properly.
- The doctors are doing all that they can, but she's still not breathing properly.
- If you get bitten by a dog, you have to make sure the wound is properly cleaned, or an infection could set in.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Suitable and acceptable
- able
- acceptable
- accepted
- accordingly
- age-appropriate
- correct
- doctor
- felicitous
- fit in
- fit in with sth
- fitting
- germane
- horse
- keeping
- satisfaction
- seasonable
- seemly
- sit right/well (with sb) idiom
- suitable
- valid
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properly adverb (SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE)
formal in a socially and morally acceptable way:
Most vegetables should be eaten with a fork but asparagus can be properly eaten with the fingers.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Suitable and acceptable
- able
- acceptable
- accepted
- accordingly
- age-appropriate
- correct
- doctor
- felicitous
- fit in
- fit in with sth
- fitting
- germane
- horse
- keeping
- satisfaction
- seasonable
- seemly
- sit right/well (with sb) idiom
- suitable
- valid
See more results »
Idiom(s)
properly speaking