proper

/ˈprɑpər/

/ˈprɒpə/

Other forms: properest; properer

Something proper is correct or right. There's a proper fork to use for salad, and a proper way to dress for a wedding.

Things that are proper fit the situation — they're the right thing to do, because of custom or manners. A swear word is the opposite of proper language. Wearing a hat indoors isn't proper, as your grandparents have probably reminded you. Getting proper medical care means you've received the appropriate medical care. When things are proper, they're correct and suitable: they fit.

Definitions of proper

1. adjective

   marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
   “proper medical treatment”

   “proper manners”

   synonyms:

   appropriate

   suitable for a particular person, place, condition, etc.

   correct, right

   free from error; especially conforming to fact or truth

   decent

   conforming to conventions of sexual behavior

   decorous

   characterized by propriety and dignity and good taste in manners and conduct

   becoming, comely, comme il faut, decent, decorous, seemly

   according with custom or propriety

   correct, right

   socially right or correct

   correct, right

   in accord with accepted standards of usage or procedure

   fitting

   in harmony with the spirit of particular persons or occasion

   halal

   proper or legitimate

   kosher

   proper or legitimate

   priggish, prim, prissy, prudish, puritanical, square-toed, straight-laced, straightlaced, strait-laced, straitlaced, tight-laced, victorian

   exaggeratedly proper

   right

   in conformance with justice or law or morality

   antonyms:

   improper

   not suitable or right or appropriate

   inappropriate

   not suitable for a particular occasion etc

   indecent

   offensive to good taste especially in sexual matters

   indecorous, indelicate

   lacking propriety and good taste in manners and conduct

   unfit

   below the required standards for a purpose

   indecent, indecorous, unbecoming, uncomely, unseemly, untoward

   not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society

   out-of-the-way

   improper or even offensive

   incorrect, wrong

   not in accord with established usage or procedure

   wrong

   contrary to conscience or morality or law
2. adjective

   appropriate for a condition or purpose or occasion or a person's character, needs
   “everything in its proper place”

   synonyms: right

   appropriate

   suitable for a particular person, place, condition, etc.
3. adjective

   having all the qualities typical of the thing specified
   “wanted a proper dinner”

   “he finally has a proper job”

   synonyms:

   real

   no less than what is stated; worthy of the name
4. adjective

   limited to the thing specified
   “the city proper”

   “his claim is connected with the deed proper”

   synonyms:

   specific

   (sometimes followed by `to') applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique