Words / B2

PROP-uh-lee/ˈprɒpəli/

Properly means in a correct or thorough way: properly sealed; not working properly. Correctly is close; thoroughly stresses completeness. Scripts were not properly sealed. Adjective: proper. Do not use properly as a filler (“I properly think”).

Meaning

In a correct or acceptable way.

Examples

• “Scripts were not properly sealed, so the pack was voided.”
• “The printer is not working properly, which is the “as it should” sense.”

Good to know

properly + verb; not working properly. Adjective: proper. Close: correctly / thoroughly. Notices and tech reports. The right way, not a hedge.

Near in meaning

correctly

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