How to pronounce improper
Say it like im-PROP-er. Improper has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PROP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce improper. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- im
- PROP
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Improper pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- imGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- PROPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of improper
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: im-PROP-uh.
What does improper mean?
- not suitable or right or appropriate“slightly improper to dine alone with a married man”“improper medication”
- not conforming to legality, moral law, or social convention“an unconventional marriage”“improper banking practices”
- not appropriate for a purpose or occasion“said all the wrong things”
Where does improper come from?
From Middle French impropre, from Latin improprius (“not proper”), from in- + proprius (“proper”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with improper
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of improper.
Questions about saying improper
How do you pronounce improper?
Say im-PROP-er. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪmˈprɑpɚ/. In British English it is /ɪmˈprɒpə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in improper?
Improper has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PROP). Broken into parts: im · PROP · er.
Is improper pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ɪmˈprɒpə/ (im-PROP-uh).