proper
adjective
1. marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
- proper medical treatment
- proper manners
Similar word(s): appropriate, correct, right, decent, decorous, becoming, comely, decorous, seemly, correct, right, decent, fitting, halal, kosher, priggish, prim, prissy, prudish, puritanical, straightlaced, straitlaced, victorian
2. having all the qualities typical of the thing specified
- wanted a proper dinner, not just a snack
- he finally has a proper job
Similar word(s): real
3. limited to the thing specified
- the city proper
- his claim is connected with the deed proper
Similar word(s): specific
4. appropriate for a condition or purpose or occasion or a person's character, needs
- everything in its proper place
Similar word(s): appropriate, right
Sentences with proper as an adjective:
- the proper time to plant potatoes
- a very proper young lady
- Now that was a proper breakfast.
- When I realized I was wearing my shirt inside out, I felt a proper fool.
adverb
1. (Scotland) properly; thoroughly; completely
2. (nonstandard, slang) properly