proper
adjective
ˈprɒpə(r) 
ˈprɑːpər 
1 [only before noun] (especially British English) right, appropriate or correct; according to the rulesWe 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] (British English, informal) that you consider to be real and of a good enough standardEat some proper food, not just toast and jam!When are you going to get a proper job?3 socially and morally acceptableIt 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.Opposite
improper see also propriety4 [after noun] according to the most exact meaning of the wordThe celebrations proper always begin on the last stroke of midnight.5 [only before noun] (British English, informal) completeWe're in a proper mess now.6 proper to something (formal) belonging to a particular type of thing; natural in a particular situation or placeThey should be treated with the dignity proper to all individuals created by God.Idioms
