properly

/ˈprɒpəli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈprɑːpərli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈprä-pər-lē/ (ame, mw)

properly — adverb

1. Done correctly or satisfactorily, so that something works, fits, or turns out as

1.副詞B1
釋義

Done correctly or satisfactorily, so that something works, fits, or turns out as it should — like installing equipment that runs without problems, or cooking a meal that tastes right.

例句

Rodrigo checked that the smoke alarm was working properly before winter set in.

verb + properly: working properly

The printer is not feeding the paper properly — open the tray and check the guides.

negation: not verb-ing properly

同義詞
  • correctly

    focuses on being free from error; more technical and less about overall satisfaction

  • right

    more informal; common in everyday speech ('it didn't work right')

  • satisfactorily

    emphasises meeting expectations of quality; more formal than 'properly'

反義詞
  • improperly

    the direct formal antonym; less common in everyday speech

  • badly

    informal; implies a poor result rather than wrong method

文法句型

properly + verb

verb + properly

常見錯誤

❌She cooked the rice properly, so it tasted delicious.' (ambiguous — suggests correctness of method, not outcome).
✅She cooked the rice properly, so every grain was separate and fluffy.
💡add the outcome to clarify that 'properly' refers to the method producing a good result.

2. Following the accepted social or moral standards of behaviour — for example, kee

2.副詞B2
釋義

Following the accepted social or moral standards of behaviour — for example, keeping your mouth closed while eating at a formal dinner, or wearing respectful clothing when visiting a place of worship.

例句

The children were told to behave properly during the wedding ceremony.

behave properly + social context

Defne felt that discussing salaries at the dinner table was not behaving properly.

negation: not behaving properly

同義詞
  • appropriately

    wider in scope — includes situational fit beyond moral standards

  • decently

    focuses on modesty and avoiding offence; slightly old-fashioned

  • respectably

    emphasises earning the approval of others through one's conduct

反義詞
  • improperly

    the direct antonym; formal

  • badly

    informal and broader — can refer to skill failure, not just social rules

文法句型

behave properly

dress properly

act properly

用法筆記

Often appears in negative constructions or alongside modals (should, ought to) to describe behaviour that fails to meet expected social standards.

常見錯誤

❌He spoke properly to the guests, saying please and thank you.
✅He spoke politely to the guests, saying please and thank you.
💡'politely' is better for courteous speech; 'properly' focuses on adherence to social rules.
❌She dressed properly for the beach in a swimsuit.
✅She dressed appropriately for the beach in a swimsuit.
💡'properly' implies a standard of formality or modesty, not just suitability to context.