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.

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 …

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

Mar 18, 2026 · Excellent, of high quality; such as the specific person or thing should ideally be.

Rightly so called, named, or described; taken in a strict sense: in this sense usually following the noun: as, the apes proper belong to the Old World; no shell-fish are fishes proper.

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.

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 generally refers to something that is correctly done or behaving in a suitable or appropriate manner according to rules, conventions, standards or principles.

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 …