Definition Definition

proper - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'proper' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Proper [ a.]
- Belonging to one; one's own; individual.
- Belonging to the natural or essential constitution; peculiar; not common; particular; as, every animal has his proper instincts and appetites.
- Befitting one's nature, qualities, etc.; suitable in all respect; appropriate; right; fit; decent; as, water is the proper element for fish; a proper dress.
- Becoming in appearance; well formed; handsome.
- Pertaining to one of a species, but not common to the whole; not appellative; -- opposed to common; as, a proper name; Dublin is the proper name of a city.
- Rightly so called; strictly considered; as, Greece proper; the garden proper.
- Represented in its natural color; -- said of any object used as a charge.
2 . Proper [ adv.]
- Properly; hence, to a great degree; very; as, proper good.

Meaning of 'proper' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . proper [ a]
Meaning (1):
- marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
Example in sentence:
  • proper manners;
  • proper medical treatment
2 . proper [ s]
Meaning (2):
- appropriate for a condition or purpose or occasion or a person's character, needs
Example in sentence:
  • everything in its proper place;
  • she is not suitable for the position;
  • the right man for the job
Meaning (3):
- having all the qualities typical of the thing specified
Example in sentence:
  • he finally has a proper job;
  • wanted a proper dinner, not just a snack
Meaning (4):
- limited to the thing specified
Example in sentence:
  • his claim is connected with the deed proper;
  • the city proper