1prop·er 
/ˈprɑ:pɚ/ adjective
/ˈprɑ:pɚ/ adjective 1 [more proper; most proper] a : correct according to social or moral rules
▪ That is not the proper [=acceptable] way to dress for school. ▪ It is not proper to speak that way. ▪ The children need to learn proper behavior. ▪ It would not be proper for you to borrow the ladder without asking first.
b : behaving in a way that is correct according to social or moral rules
▪ She is a very prim and proper young lady. 2 always used before a noun : exactly correct
▪ Is this the proper spelling of your name? ▪ proper punctuation 3 always used before a noun : right or suitable for some purpose or situation
▪ He didn't have the proper [=appropriate] training for the job. ▪ You need to eat a proper meal instead of junk food. ▪ Each step must be done in the proper order/sequence. ▪ You need to get a proper [=real, decent] job. ▪ Please put your shoes in their proper place. [=please put your shoes where they belong] 4 always used after a noun — used to emphasize that you are referring to the specific thing that is being named ▪ Her family lived outside the city proper. [=lived in an area that was close to the city but was not actually in the city] 5 always used before a noun, chiefly Brit : complete or absolute
▪ I felt a proper fool after making that mistake. ▪ We are in a proper mess now.
▪ That is not the proper [=acceptable] way to dress for school. ▪ It is not proper to speak that way. ▪ The children need to learn proper behavior. ▪ It would not be proper for you to borrow the ladder without asking first.
b : behaving in a way that is correct according to social or moral rules
▪ She is a very prim and proper young lady.
▪ Is this the proper spelling of your name? ▪ proper punctuation
▪ He didn't have the proper [=appropriate] training for the job. ▪ You need to eat a proper meal instead of junk food. ▪ Each step must be done in the proper order/sequence. ▪ You need to get a proper [=real, decent] job. ▪ Please put your shoes in their proper place. [=please put your shoes where they belong]
▪ I felt a proper fool after making that mistake. ▪ We are in a proper mess now.
proper to
formal : belonging to or suited to (something)
▪ Are such violent emotions proper to poetry?
▪ Are such violent emotions proper to poetry?
