proper Meaning & Definition
What Does Proper Mean?
Proper is an adjective that means Suitable. Suited or acceptable to the purpose or circumstances; fit, suitable. It is also used to mean Suited or acceptable to the purpose or circumstances; fit, suitable. As an adverb, it means Properly; thoroughly; completely. As a noun, it means Something set apart for a special use.
Quick Facts About Proper
| Part of speech | adjective, adverb, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈpɹɒpə/ |
| Synonyms | comely, right and suitable |
| Antonyms | improper, incomplete and partial |
| Plural | propers |
| Comparative / superlative | more proper, most proper |
Proper Definition (Adjective)
- Suitable.
Suited or acceptable to the purpose or circumstances; fit, suitable.
the proper time to plant potatoes
- Suited or acceptable to the purpose or circumstances; fit, suitable.
the proper time to plant potatoes
- Following the established standards of behavior or manners; correct or decorous.
a very proper young lady
- Such that the preimage of every compact set is compact.
- Continuous, mapping closed sets to closed sets, and such that the preimage of every point is compact.
- Separated, of finite type, and universally closed.
- Such that unique morphism from the variety to k is proper (as above).
- Such that every closed ball is compact.
- Possessed, related.
Used to designate a particular person, place, or thing. Proper nouns are usually written with an initial capital letter.
Pertaining exclusively to a specific thing or person; particular.
proper motion — proper left — proper right
- Used to designate a particular person, place, or thing. Proper nouns are usually written with an initial capital letter.
- Pertaining exclusively to a specific thing or person; particular.
- In the strict sense; within the strict definition or core (of a specified place, taxonomic order, idea, etc).
- Belonging to oneself or itself; own.
proper motion — proper left — proper right
- Portrayed in natural or usual coloration, as opposed to conventional tinctures.
- Being strictly part of some other thing (not necessarily explicitly mentioned, but of definitional importance), and not being the thing itself.
proper subset — proper ideal
- Eigen-; designating a function or value which is an eigenfunction or eigenvalue.
- Accurate, strictly applied.
Excellent, of high quality; such as the specific person or thing should ideally be. (Now often merged with later senses.)
Now that was a proper breakfast.
- Excellent, of high quality; such as the specific person or thing should ideally be. (Now often merged with later senses.)
Now that was a proper breakfast.
- Attractive, elegant.
- In the very strictest sense of the word.
- (of a city or town) Including only the core areas while excluding surrounding suburbs.
- Utter, complete.
When I realized I was wearing my shirt inside out, I felt a proper fool.
- Not being a set.
Proper as an Adverb
- Properly; thoroughly; completely.
- Properly.
Proper as a Noun
- Something set apart for a special use.
- A part of the Christian liturgy that varies according to the date.
Adjective
- (heading) Suitable.
- (heading) Possessed, related.
- (heading) Accurate, strictly applied.
Synonyms of Proper
Antonyms of Proper
Proper in a Sentence
the proper time to plant potatoes
a very proper young lady
proper motion — proper left — proper right
proper subset — proper ideal
Now that was a proper breakfast.
When I realized I was wearing my shirt inside out, I felt a proper fool.
Word Forms & Grammar
proper (comparative more proper, superlative most proper)
proper (not comparable)
proper (plural propers)
Words That Rhyme With Proper
Origin of Proper
From Middle English propre, from Anglo-Norman proper, propre, Old French propre (French: propre), from Latin proprius.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proper
Is proper an adjective or an adverb?
Proper is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as an adverb and a noun.
What is another word for proper?
You can replace proper with words such as comely, right and suitable. See the full list of proper synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of proper?
The opposite of proper can be expressed with words like improper, incomplete, partial and slapdash.
What is the plural of proper?
The plural of proper is propers.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of proper?
The comparative form is more proper and the superlative form is most proper.