Proper vs. Properly — What's the Difference?

Denoting something that is truly what it is said or regarded to be; genuine

Characterized by appropriateness or suitability; fitting

Of the required or correct type or form; suitable or appropriate

Called for by rules or conventions; correct

Belonging or relating exclusively or distinctively to; particular to

Strictly following rules or conventions, especially in social behavior; seemly

In the natural colours.

Belonging to one; own

(of a person) good-looking

Characteristically belonging to the being or thing in question; peculiar

Denoting a subset or subgroup that does not constitute the entire set or group, especially one that has more than one element.

Being within the strictly limited sense, as of a term designating something

Satisfactorily or correctly

(Ecclesiastical) For use in the liturgy of a particular feast or season of the year.

The part of a church service that varies with the season or feast

(Mathematics) Of or relating to a subset of a given set when the set has at least one element not in the subset.

Characterized by appropriateness or suitability; fitting

Worthy of the name; true

Called for by rules or conventions; correct

Out-and-out; thorough

Strictly following rules or conventions, especially in social behavior; seemly

Thoroughly

Belonging to one; own

The portion of the liturgy that varies according to the particular feast or season of the year.

Characteristically belonging to the being or thing in question; peculiar

In a proper manner, appropriately, suitably; correctly, justifiably

Being within the strictly limited sense, as of a term designating something

(obsolete) individually; in one's own manner.

(Ecclesiastical) For use in the liturgy of a particular feast or season of the year.

(colloquial) Entirely; extremely; thoroughly.

(Mathematics) Of or relating to a subset of a given set when the set has at least one element not in the subset.

In a proper manner; suitably; fitly; strictly; rightly; as, a word properly applied; a dress properly adjusted.

Worthy of the name; true

Individually; after one's own manner.

Out-and-out; thorough

In the right manner;

Thoroughly

With reason or justice

The portion of the liturgy that varies according to the particular feast or season of the year.

Suitable.

Suited or acceptable to the purpose or circumstances; fit, suitable.

Following the established standards of behavior or manners; correct or decorous.

Possessed, related.

(grammar) Used to designate a particular person, place, or thing. Proper nouns are usually written with an initial capital letter.

Pertaining exclusively to a specific thing or person; particular.

In the strict sense; within the strict definition or core (of a specified place, taxonomic order, idea, etc).

Belonging to oneself or itself; own.

(heraldry) Portrayed in natural or usual coloration, as opposed to conventional tinctures.

(mathematics) Being strictly part of some other thing (not necessarily explicitly mentioned, but of definitional importance), and not being the thing itself.

Eigen-; designating a function or value which is an eigenfunction or eigenvalue.

Accurate, strictly applied.

Excellent, of high quality; such as the specific person or thing should ideally be. (Now often merged with later senses.)

Attractive, elegant.

In the very strictest sense of the word.

Utter, complete.

Properly; thoroughly; completely.

Properly.

(obsolete) Something set apart for a special use.

(Christianity) A part of the Christian liturgy that varies according to the date.

Belonging to one; one's own; individual.

Belonging to the natural or essential constitution; peculiar; not common; particular; as, every animal has his proper instincts and appetites.

Befitting one's nature, qualities, etc.; suitable in all respect; appropriate; right; fit; decent; as, water is the proper element for fish; a proper dress.

Becoming in appearance; well formed; handsome.

Pertaining to one of a species, but not common to the whole; not appellative; - opposed to common; as, a proper name; Dublin is the proper name of a city.

Rightly so called; strictly considered; as, Greece proper; the garden proper.

Represented in its natural color; - said of any object used as a charge.

Properly; hence, to a great degree; very; as, proper good.

Marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness;

Limited to the thing specified;

Appropriate for a condition or occasion;

Having all the qualities typical of the thing specified;