How to pronounce properly
Say it like PROP-er-lee. Properly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PROP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce properly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PROP
- er
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Properly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- 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.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of properly
- 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: PROP-uh-lee.
What does properly mean?
- in the right manner; correctly; suitably“please do your job properly!”“can't you carry me decent?”
- indicating exactness or preciseness“he was doing precisely (or exactly) what she had told him to do”“it was just as he said--the jewel was gone”
- in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances“he was appropriately dressed”“If you don't behave properly, you'll have to leave!”
Where does properly come from?
From proper + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying properly
How do you pronounce properly?
Say PROP-er-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈprɑpɚli/. In British English it is /ˈprɒpəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in properly?
Properly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PROP). Broken into parts: PROP · er · lee.
Is properly 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 /ˈprɒpəli/ (PROP-uh-lee).