Propper vs. Proper — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Sumaia Saeed — Updated on April 22, 2024
"Propper" is the incorrect spelling of "proper," which means suitable or appropriate.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Propper or Proper
How to spell Proper?
Propper
Incorrect Spelling
Proper
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
"Proper" has one 'p' in the middle, matching the number of 'r's it ends with.
Remember that "proper" sounds like "popper," but with 'r' instead of 'p' in the middle.
To spell "proper" correctly, think of the word "prop" and add 'er' at the end.
"Proper" has fewer letters than "properly," so stick with just one 'p.'
How Do You Spell Proper Correctly?
Incorrect: She didn't have a propper excuse for being late.
Correct: She didn't have a proper excuse for being late.
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Incorrect: Is this the propper way to wear this uniform?
Correct: Is this the proper way to wear this uniform?
Incorrect: The instructions were not followed in a propper manner.
Correct: The instructions were not followed in a proper manner.
Incorrect: We need to find a propper solution to this problem.
Correct: We need to find a proper solution to this problem.
Incorrect: The meeting protocol was not conducted in a propper manner.
Correct: The meeting protocol was not conducted in a proper manner.
Proper Definitions
Strictly referring to itself; precise.
In the phrase the city proper, 'proper' means the main part of the city.
Belonging to one; own.
Each group returned to its proper place.
Denoting something that is truly what it is said or regarded to be; genuine
She's never had a proper job
A proper meal
Of the required or correct type or form; suitable or appropriate
They had not followed the proper procedures
An artist needs the proper tools
Belonging or relating exclusively or distinctively to; particular to
The two elephant types proper to Africa and to southern Asia
In the natural colours.
(of a person) good-looking
He is a proper youth!
Denoting a subset or subgroup that does not constitute the entire set or group, especially one that has more than one element.
Satisfactorily or correctly
My eyes were all blurry and I couldn't see proper
The part of a church service that varies with the season or feast
We go to the High Mass, with plainsong propers sung by the Ritual Choir
Characterized by appropriateness or suitability; fitting
The proper knife for cutting bread.
Not a proper moment for a joke.
Called for by rules or conventions; correct
The proper form for a business letter.
Strictly following rules or conventions, especially in social behavior; seemly
A proper lady.
A proper gentleman.
Belonging to one; own
Restored to his proper shape by the magician.
Characteristically belonging to the being or thing in question; peculiar
An optical effect proper to fluids.
Being within the strictly limited sense, as of a term designating something
The town proper, excluding the suburbs.
(Ecclesiastical) For use in the liturgy of a particular feast or season of the year.
(Mathematics) Of or relating to a subset of a given set when the set has at least one element not in the subset.
Worthy of the name; true
Wanted a proper dinner, not just a snack.
Out-and-out; thorough
A proper whipping.
Thoroughly
Beat the eggs good and proper.
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.
The proper time to plant potatoes
Following the established standards of behavior or manners; correct or decorous.
A very proper young lady
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.
Proper motion — proper left — proper right
(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.
Proper subset — proper ideal
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.)
Now that was a proper breakfast.
Attractive, elegant.
In the very strictest sense of the word.
Utter, complete.
When I realized I was wearing my shirt inside out, I felt a proper fool.
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.
Now learn the difference, at your proper cost,Betwixt true valor and an empty boast.
Belonging to the natural or essential constitution; peculiar; not common; particular; as, every animal has his proper instincts and appetites.
Those high and peculiar attributes . . . which constitute our proper humanity.
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.
The proper study of mankind is man.
In Athens all was pleasure, mirth, and play,All proper to the spring, and sprightly May.
Becoming in appearance; well formed; handsome.
Moses . . . was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child.
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;
Proper medical treatment
Proper manners
Limited to the thing specified;
The city proper
His claim is connected with the deed proper
Appropriate for a condition or occasion;
Everything in its proper place
The right man for the job
She is not suitable for the position
Having all the qualities typical of the thing specified;
Wanted a proper dinner; not just a snack
He finally has a proper job
Suitable or appropriate under the circumstances.
It's only proper to thank your host after a party.
Following the accepted or traditional standards.
He insists on wearing proper attire to dinner.
Complete; absolute.
They made a proper mess of things.
Proper Meaning in a Sentence
He didn’t conduct himself in a proper manner at the event.
It’s important to follow the proper procedures when applying for a passport.
You need to learn the proper names of all the continents.
Please ensure you use the proper tools for this task.
She made sure everything was in the proper order before the guests arrived.
Proper safety gear is mandatory for this construction site.
She has a proper understanding of the rules.
He was not using the proper terminology during the debate.
The students were asked to wear proper uniforms.
Always address your teacher in the proper way.
A proper diet is essential for good health.
Make sure you use the proper technique when lifting heavy objects.
The machine is not working in its proper order.
She keeps her books in proper alignment on the shelf.
It is not proper to speak loudly in a library.
Ensure the documents are sorted in the proper sequence.
Please use the proper form when submitting your request.
Learning to play the game requires understanding the proper rules.
They finally found a proper place for the painting.
The ceremony was conducted in the proper traditional fashion.
Proper Idioms & Phrases
Proper to
Appropriate or suitable for.
It is proper to dress formally for a wedding.
In proper order
Everything arranged correctly or appropriately.
She ensured all the files were in proper order.
As is proper
As is appropriate or expected.
He apologized, as is proper, after making a mistake.
None too proper
Not very suitable or slightly inappropriate.
His comments were none too proper for the occasion.
To the proper authorities
To the correct or appropriate officials.
The lost wallet was handed over to the proper authorities.
Common Curiosities
How do we divide proper into syllables?
Proper is divided as prop-er.
What is the pronunciation of proper?
Proper is pronounced as /ˈprɒ.pər/ in American English.
Why is it called proper?
Proper comes from Latin word 'proprius' meaning one's own, fitting.
How many syllables are in proper?
There are two syllables in proper.
What is the verb form of proper?
Proper does not have a verb form; it is only an adjective.
What is the root word of proper?
The root word of proper is the Latin 'proprius,' meaning one's own or suitable.
What is a stressed syllable in proper?
The first syllable (prop) is stressed in proper.
What is another term for proper?
Another term for proper is suitable.
How is proper used in a sentence?
Proper is typically used as an adjective indicating suitability or correctness.
What is the plural form of proper?
Proper does not have a plural form as it is an adjective.
Is proper a noun or adjective?
Proper is an adjective.
What part of speech is proper?
Proper is an adjective.
Is proper an abstract noun?
No, proper is not an abstract noun; it is an adjective.
Is proper a collective noun?
Proper is not a collective noun; it is an adjective.
Which determiner is used with proper?
Determiners like "the" can be used with proper, e.g., "the proper method."
What is the singular form of proper?
Proper itself is singular as it is an adjective.
Is proper an adverb?
No, proper is not an adverb.
Which vowel is used before proper?
Typically, vowels are not specifically required before "proper."
Is proper a negative or positive word?
Proper is a neutral word, often leaning towards positive in context.
Is proper a countable noun?
Proper is not a noun; it is an adjective.
Is the word proper imperative?
No, as an adjective, proper cannot be imperative.
Which article is used with proper?
The definite article "the" is commonly used with proper, e.g., "the proper way."
Is the word “proper” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
Proper, being an adjective, does not function as a direct or indirect object.
Which preposition is used with proper?
Common prepositions used with proper are "for" and "to," e.g., "proper for the occasion."
What is the opposite of proper?
The opposite of proper is improper.
Is proper a vowel or consonant?
The word "proper" starts with a consonant.
Is the proper term a metaphor?
No, proper is not typically used as a metaphor.
Is the word proper Gerund?
No, proper is not a gerund; it is an adjective.
Which conjunction is used with proper?
Conjunctions like "and" can link proper, e.g., "proper and fitting."
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Written by
Sumaia Saeed
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
