1. used to mean 'real' You use proper in front of a noun to emphasize that someone or something really is the thing referred to by the noun. It's important to have a proper breakfast in the morning, not just a cup of tea. He's never had a proper job.
Definition of proper adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
Proper is an adjective that describes something that is appropriate, adheres to polite behavior, or is correct. Proper is also used in grammar to refer to nouns that identify specific people, places, or things.
The study of proper names is sometimes called onomastics or onomatology, while a rigorous analysis of the semantics of proper names is a matter for philosophy of language. [8] Occasionally, what would otherwise be regarded as a proper noun is used as a common noun, in which case a plural form and a determiner are possible.
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.
You use proper to describe things that you consider to be real and satisfactory rather than inadequate in some way. Two out of five people lack a proper job. I always cook a proper evening meal.
