properly
/ˈprɒp.ə.li/ IELTSAcademic
adverb
In the right way, with enough care, skill, or attention. It can also mean completely or fully, especially in careful speech.
- Please wash your hands properly.
- The machine was not properly installed.
- We should properly check the facts first.
Adinary Nuance
Properly is close to correctly, well, and rightly, but it often feels broader than correctly. Use correctly for accuracy, and properly when something is done the right way with enough care or preparation. In Indian English, people may also use properly to mean 'enough' or 'really', as in 'I did not eat properly.'
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- đúng cách
- Spanish
- correctamente
- Chinese
- 正确地
- Japanese
- 適切に
- Korean
- 제대로
Etymology
Properly comes from proper, which entered English from Old French in the Middle Ages. The adverb use developed later to mean 'in the right way' or 'fully'.
Common phrases
properly doneproperly understoodproperly preparedproperly installed
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is properly the same as correctly?
- Not exactly. Correctly means 'without mistakes'; properly means 'in the right or suitable way'.
- Is properly formal or informal?
- It is neutral and common in both speaking and writing.
- Can properly mean 'enough' in Indian English?
- Yes, in everyday Indian English, it can mean 'fully' or 'sufficiently'.