26984 words

proper

10 definitions • 16 examples
1

Examples:

This is Sara's first proper job - she usually does temporary work just for the money.
If you're going to walk long distances you need proper walking boots.
I would have done the job myself but I didn't have the proper equipment.
I've had sandwiches but I haven't eaten a proper meal.
She likes everything to be in its proper place.
2

Examples:

[ + to infinitive ] In those days it was considered not quite proper for young ladies to be seen talking to men in public.
She was very proper, my grandmother - she'd never go out without wearing her hat and gloves.
3
belonging to the main, most important, or typical part:

Examples:

It's a suburb of Los Angeles really - I wouldn't call it Los Angeles proper.
4

Examples:

I've got myself into a proper mess!
5
sometimes used instead of the adverb "properly" to describe how someone speaks:

Examples:

She was an educated lady so she talked proper.
6
used for emphasizing what you are saying :

Examples:

I was proper annoyed with him.
7

Examples:

We didn’t have the proper tools to do the job right.
With proper treatment she should recover completely.
8

Examples:

The coach showed him the proper way to hold a bat.
9

Examples:

I didn’t think it was proper to just invite myself in.
10
being in the central or main part or place:

Examples:

They live in the suburbs, not in Boston proper.

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