proper

noun

(Christianity) A part of the Christian liturgy that varies according to the date.

A surname.

(obsolete) Something set apart for a special use.

adjective

Suitable.

Suited or acceptable to the purpose or circumstances; fit, suitable.

Following the established standards of behavior or manners; correct or decorous.

(topology, of a function) Such that the preimage of every compact set is compact.

(topology, of a function) Continuous, mapping closed sets to closed sets, and such that the preimage of every point is compact.

(algebraic geometry, of a morphism of schemes) Separated, of finite type, and universally closed.

(algebraic geometry, of a variety over a field k) Such that unique morphism from the variety to k is proper (as above).

(mathematical analysis, of a metric space) Such that every closed ball is compact.

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.

(usually postpositive) In the strict sense; within the strict definition or core (of a specified place, taxonomic order, idea, etc).

Belonging to oneself or itself; own.

(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.

(mathematics, physics) 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 regional) Attractive, elegant.

(often postpositive) In the very strictest sense of the word.

(of a city or town) Including only the core areas while excluding surrounding suburbs

(now colloquial) Utter, complete.

(set theory, of a class) Not being a set.

adverb

(UK, Ireland, colloquial) properly; thoroughly; completely.

(nonstandard, colloquial) properly.

Roots

propriusproper- · Latin · one's own

Synonyms for proper

appropriateadj condignadj rightn decorousadj befittingadj suitableadj fittingadj seemlyadj decentadj appositeadj rightfuladj

Synonyms & related words for proper

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Words related to proper

Explore words related to proper — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include adequate, convenable, gradely, properness, properly, correctest, condignly, correctitude. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for proper

Common synonyms for proper include appropriate, condign, right, decorous, befitting, suitable, fitting, seemly — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does proper come from?

The word proper breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root proper-, from Latin proprius (“one's own”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.