French Conversation · Level 147
30 words
French word
proprement
Pronunciation
IPA/pʁɔpʁəmɑ̃/
Meaning
- adverbproperly
Example
Fais ton travail proprement.
Do your work properly.
More examples
Il faut s'habiller proprement pour l'entretien.
It is necessary to dress properly for the interview.
Core concept
An action whose result is orderly, precise, and appropriate to its purpose.
Common phrases
faire proprement
do neatly
s'habiller proprement
dress properly
parler proprement
speak correctly
Similar words
correctement: Correctly and in line with the expected standard.
soigneusement: With careful attention and thorough effort.
convenablement: In a suitable way for the situation or purpose.
Definition in French
Signifie qu'une action est faite de manière précise, sans désordre et appropriée à la situation.
Word origin
French formed proprement by adding -ment to propre, an adjective inherited through Old French from Latin proprius and associated with suitability as well as cleanliness.
Usage tips
- Before an adjective in emphatic usage, proprement can mean downright, as in proprement scandaleux, which differs from its ordinary action-focused use.