adjective

proper

proper, correct, suitable, right

Please use the proper tools for the job.

Please use the proper tools for the job.

That is not proper behavior for a child.

That is not proper behaviour for a child.

We need a proper solution to this problem.

We need a proper solution to this problem.

a proper (noun) correct or suitable for a particular purpose. Please use the proper tools for the job.

it is proper ((to-inf)) it is socially correct or polite to do something. It is not proper to interrupt people.

Synonyms: suitable, correct, right; Antonyms: improper, wrong

From Latin 'proprius' meaning 'one's own, special'. This evolved to mean 'particular to a situation', hence 'suitable'.

Connect it to 'property'. Something that is 'proper' is what 'belongs' in a certain situation, just like property belongs to someone.

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