proper
proper definition
proper (präp′ər)
adjective
- specially adapted or suitable to a specific purpose or specific conditions; appropriate the proper tool for a job
- naturally belonging or peculiar (to) weather proper to April
- conforming to an accepted standard or to good usage; correct a proper spelling
- fitting; seemly; right proper modesty
- decent; decorous; genteel: often connoting exaggerated respectability “the proper Bostonians”
- 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)
- Brit. complete; thorough a proper scoundrel
- Now Chiefly Dial.
- fine; good; excellent
- handsome
- Eccles. reserved for a particular day or festival: said of prayers, rites, etc.
- Gram.
- 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
- designating an adjective formed from a proper noun, as Bostonian
- Heraldry represented in its natural form or colors
Etymology: ME propre < OFr < L proprius, one's own
adverb
- completely; thoroughly
- properly; correctly
noun
- the special office or prayers for a particular day or festival
- those parts of the Mass which vary according to the particular day or festival
Related Forms:
- properly prop′·erly adverb
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