Etymology

From , from .

Adjective

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

   The proper time to plant potatoes.

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

   A very proper young lady.

3. Fitting; right.

   It is only proper to bring food to a potluck.

4. Exact; precise.
5. In the very strictest sense of the word.

   According to the Supreme Court, tomatoes do not belong to the fruits proper.

   The school is located in the town proper.

6. Used to designate a particular person, place, or thing. Proper words are usually written with an initial capital letter.
7. Common or ordinary.
8. Belonging to oneself or itself; own.

   He was restored to his proper color after taking the elixir.

9. Complete or thorough.

   I gave that boy a proper whipping.

10. Entitled to its name; true.

    I wanted a proper breakfast, not just a morning snack.

11. Having its natural or usual coloration, though this is often according to what heraldic convention defines as the natural or usual; proper is considered to be its own tincture.
12. utter

    When I realized I was wearing my shirt inside out, I felt a proper fool.

Synonyms

correct, right, apt, prudent, sensible, fitting appropriate, decent, good, polite, right, well-mannered appropriate, just, honorable definite, concrete, literal, authoritative normal, usual, typical, regular comprehensive, royal, sweeping, intensive full, complete complete, right , total, utter

Antonyms

incorrect, wrong, bad, imprudent, insensible inappropriate, indecent, bad, impolite, wrong, ill-mannered, unseemly inappropriate, unjust, dishonorable shady, shaky, preliminary, baseless rare, unusual, atypical, extraordinary partial, incomplete, superficial, slapdash incomplete