properly

Everyday

1. Properly means in the correct or right way: Hold the scissors properly. tree →
2. Properly means fully or really: I did not sleep properly. tree →
3. Properly can mean politely and in the right manner: behave properly. tree →

In the lessons

In instructions at school and at home: wash your hands properly (20 seconds with soap), fasten your seatbelt properly, read the question properly. In safety lessons, using things properly prevents accidents. In British English, «properly» can also mean very or really (informal): properly cold. Phrases: do it properly, properly dressed, properly done.

Examples

• Wash your hands properly before eating. tree →
• Put on your helmet properly. tree →
• Read the question properly before you answer. tree →
• I could not see properly without my glasses. tree →
• Sit properly on your chair. tree →
• Make sure the gate is properly closed. tree →
• Cook the chicken properly so it is safe to eat. tree →
• The plant will not grow properly without light. tree →
• Are we spending the evening properly? tree →

Note

Adjective: proper. Spelled proper + ly. Do not confuse with «property» (things someone owns). Opposite: improperly, wrongly.

In Jewish tradition

In instructions at school and at home: wash your hands properly (20 seconds with soap), fasten your seatbelt properly, read the question properly. In safety lessons, using things properly prevents accidents. In British English, «properly» can also mean very or really (informal): properly cold. Phrases: do it properly, properly dressed, properly done.

Examples

• Tzaddi is properly Tz ; but some write Z only, which is misleading because the Hebrew has also a true Z, Zain. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →

Note

Adjective: proper. Spelled proper + ly. Do not confuse with «property» (things someone owns). Opposite: improperly, wrongly.