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REFERENCE

proper

adj. · adv. · n.
US //ˈpɹɑpɝ// UK //pɹˈɒpɐ// prop·er
  1. 1 correct or suitable (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    correct, right, or suitable for a specific situation.

    conforming to established standards of behavior or suitability; appropriate for the circumstances.

    Example

    It is important to wear the proper clothes for a job interview.

    Example

    The committee insisted that all members follow the proper procedure to ensure the final decision remained legally binding.
  2. 2 strictly defined (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    real or actual, used to distinguish the main part of something from its surroundings.

    denoting the central or essential part of something, strictly defined and excluding related areas; often used postpositionally.

    Example

    We live in the suburbs, not in the city proper.

    Example

    While the suburbs have expanded significantly, the city proper maintains a much higher population density and a distinct administrative structure.
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  1. 3 socially correct (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    behaving in a way that is considered socially acceptable and polite.

    adhering strictly to social convention or formal etiquette.

    Example

    She was always very proper and never used bad language.

    Example

    The Victorian era was characterized by a strict code of conduct that required individuals to remain proper in even the most casual social interactions.
  2. 4 grammar/names (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Technical Grammar

    used to describe a name of a specific person, place, or thing that starts with a capital letter.

    designating a specific entity as a name, as opposed to a common class of things; typically capitalized.

    Example

    London and Mary are proper nouns, so they start with a big letter.

    Example

    Students often struggle to distinguish between common nouns and proper nouns when learning the capitalization rules of English.
  3. 5 very or completely (adv.)
    C1 Advanced British English Dialect Informal

    very, completely, or in a way that is real.

    functioning as an intensifier meaning 'thoroughly' or 'completely'.

    Example

    I was proper annoyed when I missed the last bus home.

    Example

    By the time they reached the summit, the hikers were proper exhausted and ready to set up camp for the night.

    Usage

    In this sense, 'proper' functions as an adverb modifying an adjective.
  4. 6 religious service (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Formal Religion

    the parts of a church service that change depending on the date.

    the parts of the Mass or Liturgy that vary according to the specific day in the liturgical calendar.

    Example

    The choir practiced the proper for the Easter Sunday service.

    Example

    The priest consulted the missal to ensure the correct proper was used for the feast day of the patron saint.
Origin

From Middle English propre, from Anglo-Norman proper, propre, Old French propre (French: propre), from Latin proprius.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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