- 1in a way that is correct and/or appropriate How much money do we need to do the job properly? The television isn't working properly. Make sure the letter is properly addressed.
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- 2in a way that is socially or morally acceptable You acted perfectly properly in approaching me first. When will these kids learn to behave properly?
- 3really; in fact He had usurped powers that properly belonged to the head of state. The subject is not, properly speaking (= really), a science.
Check pronunciation: properly