properly
gb/pɹˈɑpɚli/ us/pɹˈɑpɚli/
A2
English
~ 1700
rendesen, helyesen, megfelelően, alaposan, szigorúan véve
A2
1
Usage pattern:
to do [something] properly
Please make sure you install the software properly.
Kérlek, győződj meg róla, hogy megfelelően telepíted a szoftvert.
The machine isn't working properly after the repair.
A gép a javítás után nem működik rendesen.
She didn't pronounce the word properly in class.
If you don't store the food properly, it will spoil.
He was never properly introduced to the team.
Learner examples
He can’t type properly with one hand.
Egy kézzel nem tud rendesen gépelni.
The door does not close properly.
Az ajtó nem záródik rendesen.
I don’t know how to use this tool properly.
Please speak properly so I can understand you.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'properly' with 'probably' due to similar pronunciation, but the meanings are very different.
Meaning
In a correct or acceptable way
Collocations
do properly
|function properly
|work properly
|properly trained
Synonyms
correctly (Almost exact synonym; slightly more formal.)
|
appropriately (Implies suitability for a situation, not just correctness.)
Antonyms
improperly (Means in a wrong or unsuitable way.)
|
incorrectly (Focuses on being factually or technically wrong.)
Themes
daily life
|communication
|behavior
|core_vocabulary
Definition
In the right or correct way.
In a manner that is correct, suitable, or acceptable according to rules, standards, or expectations.
B1
2
alaposan
B1
Usage pattern:
to [do something] properly
The room wasn't cleaned properly before the guests arrived.
A szobát nem takarították ki alaposan, mielőtt megérkeztek a vendégek.
Please explain the process properly so everyone understands.
Kérlek, magyarázd el alaposan a folyamatot, hogy mindenki megértse.
I need time to prepare properly for the meeting.
Learner examples
Wash your hands properly before you eat.
Evés előtt alaposan moss kezet.
I did not read the book properly.
Nem olvastam el alaposan a könyvet.
Please write your name properly on the form.
Meaning
In a thorough or complete way
Collocations
clean properly
|explain properly
|prepare properly
Synonyms
thoroughly (Emphasizes doing something with great care and completeness.)
Antonyms
superficially (Means doing something only on the surface, without depth.)
Themes
daily life
|work
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Completely and fully, not partly.
In a way that is complete and leaves nothing important undone.
B2
FORMAL
3
Properly speaking, whales are mammals, not fish.
Szigorúan véve a bálnák emlősök, nem halak.
This book is not, properly, a novel—it is a memoir.
Ez a könyv szigorúan véve nem regény, hanem memoár.
It isn’t, properly, part of our responsibilities.
Learner examples
Properly speaking, Paris is the capital of France.
Szigorúan véve Párizs Franciaország fővárosa.
This is not, properly, a school—it is a training center.
Ez szigorúan véve nem iskola, hanem képzőközpont.
Meaning
Strictly or exactly speaking
Collocations
properly speaking
Synonyms
strictly (Focuses on precise adherence to a definition or rule.)
Antonyms
loosely (Means not in an exact or strict sense.)
Themes
language
|academia
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Exactly or in the most correct meaning of a word.
Used to indicate that something is true in its most exact or strict sense.
Grammar
Dictionary form
properly
IPA
GB/pɹˈɑpɚli/
US/pɹˈɑpɚli/
Syllables & stress
prop - erly (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (prop)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: properly
- Plural: properlies
Word family
Forms
properlies
noun
Core family
proper
adjective B1
Negative and opposite forms
improper
adjective B2
improperly
adverb B2
Related words
property
noun A2
Expressions
properly speaking
1/pɹˈɑpɚli spˈikɪŋ/
fixed phrase
formal
In the most exact sense
Used to say what is true in the most exact meaning.
Examples
- Properly speaking, this is not a democracy but a republic.
- That term, properly speaking, refers only to ancient Rome.