proper

UK:**UK and possibly other pronunciationsUK and possibly other pronunciations/ˈprɒpər/US:USA pronunciation: IPA and respellingUSA pronunciation: IPA/ˈprɑpɚ/ ,USA pronunciation: respelling(propər)

WordReference Collins English Usage © 2026
proper
The adjective proper is used with several different meanings.
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 cup of tea.
He's never had a proper job.
used to mean ‘correct’
You also use proper in front of a noun to say that something is correct or suitable.
Everything was in its proper place.
The proper word is ‘lying’, not ‘laying’.
Be careful
Don't use ‘proper’ when you are saying that something belongs to you. Use own instead. Don't say, for example, ‘I’ve got my proper car'. Say ‘I’ve got my own car.'
'proper' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
not

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