proper Hear it!

proper Definition

proper (präp′ər)

adjective

  1. specially adapted or suitable to a specific purpose or specific conditions; appropriate the proper tool for a job
  2. naturally belonging or peculiar (to) weather proper to April
  3. conforming to an accepted standard or to good usage; correct a proper spelling
  4. fitting; seemly; right proper modesty
  5. decent; decorous; genteel: often connoting exaggerated respectability “the proper Bostonians”
  6. understood in its most restricted sense; strictly so called: usually following the noun modified the population of Chicago proper (i.e., apart from its suburbs)
  7. Brit. complete; thorough a proper scoundrel
  8. Now Chiefly Dial.
    1. fine; good; excellent
    2. handsome
  9. Eccles. reserved for a particular day or festival: said of prayers, rites, etc.
  10. Gram.
    1. designating a noun that names a specific individual, place, etc., that is not normally used with an article, and that is normally capitalized “Donald,” “Rover,” and “Boston” are proper nouns, sometimes called proper names
    2. designating an adjective formed from a proper noun, as Bostonian
  11. Heraldry represented in its natural form or colors

Etymology: ME propre < OFr < L proprius, one's own

adverb

  1. completely; thoroughly
  2. properly; correctly

noun

  1. the special office or prayers for a particular day or festival
  2. those parts of the Mass which vary according to the particular day or festival

proper Related Forms
prop′·erly adverb
proper Synonyms

proper

modif.

  1. Suitable

    fit, just, decent, fitting; see fit 1, 2.

  2. Conventional

    customary, usual, decorous; see conventional 1, 2.

  3. Prudish

    prim, precise, strait-laced; see prudish.

  4. Personal

    private, own, peculiar; see individual 1. See syn. study at fit.

proper Law Definition
See Necessary and Proper Clause.
proper Usage Examples

Modifying Another Word

  • perfectly: No, I see no finery about you; nothing but what is perfectly proper.
  • entirely: The PCT's action we find was entirely proper and proportionate.
  • quite: It is quite proper that money should be borrowed.
  • only: Their contributions all served to reinforce the view that " deterrence " was the only proper purpose for nuclear weapons.
  • very: The character is best described as an intelligent and classically attractive but very proper woman of the 1950's.
  • all: CREST: On a Wreath of the Colors upon Waves of Water a Swan holding in the beak an Eel all proper.

Adjective complement with noun phrase

  • enter: And then checked again when you actually enter the stadium proper.
  • start: We stayed at a local hotel overnight, and started the walk proper, the next day.
  • become: Following the appointment of Mr McNab in 1995, Mr Robson became deputy head proper until 1998, when he finally became headmaster.

Modifies a noun

  • functioning: The more variability in the number of defects, the more concerns about the proper functioning of the production line.
  • noun: Summary Use capital letters for the start of proper nouns.
  • consideration: ERS Recommendation 1 We urge the Government to take account of Arbuthnott's verdict and give proper consideration to electoral reform for Westminster.
  • motion: Thus it is not yet possible to derive proper motions with PPM quality for all AC stars.
  • scrutiny: Hopefully the Finance Committee will adopt a flexible interpretation of its remit, allowing proper scrutiny of the issues that really matter to people.
  • procedure: There were also concerns about whether the proper consultation procedures had been followed.

Used with adjective complement

  • think: Such, however, as were most distinguished by their station or office, it was thought proper to secure in the tollbooth prison.
  • appear: Furthermore, the accountable person may forward to the Court through the hierarchical channel, all observations which appears proper to them for guidance.
  • judge: At the start of the century such demands would have been judged proper solely to the closeted capacities of millwrights and turners.
  • follow: A heart surgeon does not perform open heart surgery without following proper, objective methodology.
  • use: Volleys on laces back to server - use proper shooting technique There are many more tasks that can be used.