properly

Word parts

proper + -ly

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈprɑ.pɚ.li/
• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈprɒ.pə.li/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Hyphenation: prop‧er‧ly

Adverb

Positive properly

Comparative none

Superlative none

1. If you do something properly, you do it in the right way.
   • Synonym: correctly
   • Antonym: improperly

   We need to make sure that police are properly trained.

   How much of him have I not properly understood?

   The chemical is vital for cells to function properly.