proper

proper [präp′ər]

adj.

[ME propre < OFr < L proprius, one's own]

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. [Chiefly Brit.] complete; thorough [a proper scoundrel]

8. Now Chiefly Dial.

a) fine; good; excellent

b) handsome

9. Eccles. reserved for a particular day or festival: said of prayers, rites, etc.

10. Gram.

a) 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]: opposed to COMMON

b) designating an adjective formed from a proper noun, as Bostonian

11. Heraldry represented in its natural form or colors

adv.

Dial.

1. completely; thoroughly

2. properly; correctly

n.

[often P-] Eccles.

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

SYN.- FIT¹

properly

adv.