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 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.

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.