proper

Adjective

Adjective

×

A word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun.

Comparative

more proper

Superlative

most proper

Noun

Noun

×

A word that identifies a person, place, thing, or idea.

Plural

propers

Adjective

Adjective

×

A word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun.

1. 1.Suitable.

   • The proper study of mankind is man.
   • One of the hidden glories of Victorian engineering is proper drains. Isolating a city’s effluent and shipping it away in underground sewers has probably saved more lives than any medical procedure except vaccination.

2. 2.Possessed, related.

   • Now learn the difference, at your proper cost, / Betwixt true valour and an empty boast.
   • Each animal has its proper pleasure, and the proper pleasure of man is connected with reason.
   • These are divided into two great families, the vipers proper (Viperidae) and the pit-vipers (Crotalidae).

3. 3.Accurate, strictly applied.

   • Now that was a proper breakfast.
   • When I realized I was wearing my shirt inside out, I felt a proper fool.
   • The same tyme was Moses borne, and was a propper [translating ἀστεῖος (asteîos)] childe in the sight of God, which was norisshed up in his fathers housse thre monethes.

Adverb

Adverb

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A word that modifies a verb, adjective, another adverb, or a clause.

1. 1.properly; thoroughly; completely.(colloquial)

   • The kid towelled him up proper.
   • Don't you think you must have looked proper daft?
   • “Christmas Eve,” said Nabby Adams. “I used to pump the bloody organ for the carols, proper pissed usually.”

2. 2.properly.(colloquial)

   • "But it's not many of us as can make 'em proper."

Noun

Noun

×

A word that identifies a person, place, thing, or idea.

1. 1.A part of the Christian liturgy that varies according to the date.

Overall

Uncommon· #2095

By learning goal

Everyday conversation

Rare

General reading & writing

Uncommon

Academic

Rare

Literature

Rare

Synonyms

• right

Word family

• properly
• property