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 from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. [only before noun] (especially British English) right, appropriate or correct; according to the rules. We should have had a …

(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.

1. used to mean 'real' You use proper in front of a noun to emphasize that someone or something really is the thing referred to by the noun. It's important to have a proper breakfast in the morning, not just a …

PROPER definition: adapted or appropriate to the purpose or circumstances; fit; suitable. See examples of proper used in a sentence.

We sure have messed things up proper. [= thoroughly, completely] They beat us good and proper.

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.