properly
in the right manner; correctly; suitably
How often you will meet it
Rank 2,658 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 6,276 times across 175,160 chapters — 0.003% of every word in the library.
What it means
adverb
- in the right manner; correctly; suitably also: decently, decent, right please do your job properly!can't you carry me decent?
- indicating exactness or preciseness also: precisely, exactly, just he was doing precisely (or exactly) what she had told him to doit was just as he said--the jewel was gone
- in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances also: appropriately, suitably, fittingly, befittingly, fitly, duly he was appropriately dressedIf you don't behave properly, you'll have to leave!
properly in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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Our silence was properly contemptuous of this sally.
Punch — Vol. 159, 1920-07-28 · Various · Chapter 1
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He couldn't even crank properly and the engine back-fired on him and hurt his hand.
The Motormaniacs · Lloyd Osbourne · Chapter 1
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When the Alabama claims are settled, Mr. P. will go back and adjust it properly.
Punchinello, Volume 1, No. 24, September 10, 1870 · Various · Chapter 1
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He pretended he had come out to see that the icebox pan had been emptied properly.
Where the Blue Begins · Christopher Morley · Chapter 1
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He is Mrs. Homer's nephew, so it's just the same as if I had met him properly.
Patty's Suitors · Carolyn Wells · Chapter 1