Words / B2

PROP-uh/ˈprɒpə/

Proper means correct, suitable, or real: a proper citation; a proper meal. Correct is plainer; real contrasts with fake. Use a proper citation, not a dumped URL. Mix-up: property is buildings or belongings. Informal UK: a proper go. Do not use proper as a vague intensifier in essays.

Meaning

Correct or suitable; real rather than imitation.

Examples

• “Use a proper citation, not a URL dumped in a footnote.”
• “She wanted a proper investigation, which is the “real, not token” sense.”

Good to know

a proper + noun; properly (adverb). Close: correct / genuine. Trap: property. Rubrics and news. Suitable or real, not “very”.

Near in meaning

correct

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