/ ˈprɒpə(r); NAmE ˈprɑːp-/ adjective
1.
[ only before noun ] ( especially BrE ) right, appropriate or correct; according to the rules :
We should have had a proper discussion before voting.
Please follow the proper procedures for dealing with complaints.
Nothing is in its proper place.
2.
[ only before noun ] ( BrE , informal ) that you consider to be real and of a good enough standard :
Eat some proper food, not just toast and jam!
When are you going to get a proper job?
3.
socially and morally acceptable :
It is right and proper that parents take responsibility for their children's attendance at school.
The development was planned without proper regard to the interests of local people.
He is always perfectly proper in his behaviour.
OPP improper
—see also propriety
4.
[ after noun ] according to the most exact meaning of the word :
The celebrations proper always begin on the last stroke of midnight.
5.
[ only before noun ] ( BrE , informal ) complete :
We're in a proper mess now.
6.
proper to sth ( formal ) belonging to a particular type of thing; natural in a particular situation or place :
They should be treated with the dignity proper to all individuals created by God.
•
IDIOMS
- good and proper
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French propre , from Latin proprius one's own, special.