Word
properly
Phoneticsprop·er·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɹɑpɝɫi/
UK/pɹˈɒpəli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01correctly or suitably
B1 · Intermediate
adv. in the right way or to a satisfactory standard.
adv. in a manner that is correct, appropriate, or suitable for the circumstances.
日本語:ちゃんと※
“Make sure you close the door properly so the cat doesn't get out.”
“The technician insisted that the equipment be calibrated properly before the experiment commenced to ensure the data remained valid.”
Usage
Usually follows the verb or the direct object.
Pitfall
You need to do it proper.
You need to do it properly.
In standard English, 'properly' is the adverb form required to describe an action; 'proper' is an adjective.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02socially right
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
adv. behaving in a way that people think is right or polite.
adv. in accordance with established social standards, etiquette, or moral requirements.
日本語:きちんと※
“The children were taught to sit at the table and behave properly.”
“The diplomat was careful to address every guest properly, adhering to the strict protocols of the host nation.”
Antonyms
03completely or thoroughly
C1 · Advanced Informal · British English
adv. completely or very much.
adv. used as an intensifier to mean thoroughly, completely, or entirely.
“I was properly exhausted after walking around the city all day.”
“By the time they reached the summit, the hikers were properly soaked by the relentless afternoon rain.”
Teaching tip
This intensifying use is very common in British English but may sound overly casual or regional in professional American contexts.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “properly” in context.
Verb
01. properly control
“It is important to properly control the temperature when you are baking a cake.”
adv + verb
Etymology
From proper + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/properly
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0