proper | Definition of proper

1 following the established traditions of refined society and good taste

the formal ball called for proper attire—tuxedos and full-length gowns only

Synonyms of proper

befitting, correct, decent, decorous, de rigueur, genteel, nice, polite, respectable, seemly

Words Related to proper

acceptable, adequate, satisfactory, tolerable

dress, dressy, formal

dignified, elegant, gracious

priggish, prim, stiff, stuffy

apt, material, relevant

compatible, congenial, harmonious

allowed, authorized, kosher, permitted

Near Antonyms of proper

intolerable, unacceptable, unsatisfactory

casual, grungy, informal

seedy, shabby, tacky

banned, barred, disallowed

forbidden, interdicted, outlawed, prohibited, proscribed

awkward, gauche, ungraceful

Antonyms of proper

improper, inappropriate, incorrect, indecent, indecorous, indelicate, unbecoming, ungenteel, unseemly

2 being in agreement with the truth or a fact or a standard

there is really more than one proper way to pronounce that word in English

Synonyms of proper

accurate, bang on [chiefly British], correct, dead-on, exact, good, on-target, precise, right, so, spot-on, true, veracious

Words Related to proper

legitimate, logical, sound, valid

errorless, faultless, flawless, impeccable, inerrant, infallible, letter-perfect, perfect

rigorous, strict, stringent

Phrases Synonymous with proper

on target, on the money

Near Antonyms of proper

defective, faulty, flawed, imperfect

Antonyms of proper

false, improper, inaccurate, incorrect, inexact, off, untrue, wrong

3 marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details

we had nodded and said hello to one another but had never had a proper introduction

Synonyms of proper

ceremonious, correct, decorous, formal, nice, punctilious, starchy, stiff, stiff-necked, stilted

Words Related to proper

sober, solemn, stately

chivalrous, courtly, gallant

genteel, polished, refined

civil, courteous, polite, red-carpet

Near Antonyms of proper

improper, indecorous, unmannerly

discourteous, impolite, rude

Antonyms of proper

casual, easygoing, informal, laid-back, unceremonious

4 meeting the requirements of a purpose or situation

you'll need to have a proper diet if you want to lose weight

Synonyms of proper

applicable, appropriate, apt, becoming, befitting, felicitous, fit, fitted, fitting, good, happy, meet, pretty, right, suitable

Words Related to proper

condign,

Synonyms and Antonyms of proper

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oblige