proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.

PROPER definition: 1. real, satisfactory, suitable, or correct: 2. showing standards of behaviour that are socially…. Learn more.

Definition of proper adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

(immediately postpositive) (of an object, quality, etc) referred to or named specifically so as to exclude anything not directly connected with it: his claim is connected with the deed proper

Dec 14, 2025 · Excellent, of high quality; such as the specific person or thing should ideally be.

Define proper. proper synonyms, proper pronunciation, proper translation, English dictionary definition of proper. adj. 1. Characterized by appropriateness or suitability; fitting: the proper knife for cutting …

Proper is an adjective that describes something that is appropriate, adheres to polite behavior, or is correct. Proper is also used in grammar to refer to nouns that identify specific people, places, or things.

Something proper is correct or right. There's a proper fork to use for salad, and a proper way to dress for a wedding. Things that are proper fit the situation — they're the right thing to do, because of custom …

You use proper to describe things that you consider to be real and satisfactory rather than inadequate in some way. Two out of five people lack a proper job. I always cook a proper evening meal.

PROPER meaning: 1 : correct according to social or moral rules; 2 : behaving in a way that is correct according to social or moral rules