First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1proper
adjective prop·er \ˈprä-pər\
: correct according to social or moral rules
: behaving in a way that is correct according to social or moral rules
: exactly correct
Full Definition of PROPER
1
a : referring to one individual only b : belonging to one : own c : appointed for the liturgy of a particular day d : represented heraldically in natural color
2
: belonging characteristically to a species or individual : peculiar
3
chiefly dialect : good-looking, handsome
4
: very good : excellent
6
: strictly limited to a specified thing, place, or idea <the city proper>
7
8
: marked by suitability, rightness, or appropriateness : fit
9
: being a mathematical subset (as a subgroup) that does not contain all the elements of the inclusive set from which it is derived
— prop·er·ly adverb
— prop·er·ness noun
See proper defined for English-language learners
See proper defined for kids
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Origin of PROPER
Middle English propre proper, own, from Anglo-French, from Latin proprius own
Related to PROPER
- Synonyms
- befitting, correct, decent, decorous, de rigueur, genteel, nice, polite, respectable, seemly
- Antonyms
- improper, inappropriate, incorrect, indecent, indecorous, indelicate, unbecoming, ungenteel, unseemly
Synonym Discussion of PROPER
fit, suitable, meet, proper, appropriate, fitting, apt, happy, felicitous mean right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance. fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action <fit for battle>. suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands <clothes suitable for camping>. meet suggests a just proportioning <meet payment>. proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom <proper acknowledgement>. appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness <an appropriate gift>. fitting implies harmony of mood or tone <a fitting end>. apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination <apt quotations>. happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate <a happy choice of words>. felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful <a felicitous phrase>.
2proper
noun
Definition of PROPER
1
: the parts of the Mass that vary according to the liturgical calendar
2
: the part of a missal or breviary containing the proper of the Mass and the offices proper to the holy days of the liturgical year
First Known Use of PROPER
15th century
3proper
adverb
: in a complete way
Full Definition of PROPER
chiefly dialect : in a thorough manner : completely
See proper defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PROPER
15th century
PROPER Defined for Kids
proper
adjective prop·er \ˈprä-pər\
Definition of PROPER for Kids
1
: correct according to social or moral rules <proper behavior>
2
: 1appropriate, suitable <Use the proper tool for the job.>
3
: strictly accurate : correct <“… do everything in the proper order … and I'm sure all will be well.” — E. B. White, The Trumpet of the Swan>
4
: referring to one individual only <a proper name>
5
: considered in its true or basic meaning <Her family lived outside the city proper.>
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