denoting something that is truly what it is said or regarded to be; genuine

she's never had a proper job

a proper meal

of the required or correct type or form; suitable or appropriate

an artist needs the proper tools

they had not followed the proper procedures

belonging or relating exclusively or distinctively to; particular to

the two elephant types proper to Africa and to southern Asia

in the natural colours

(of a person) good-looking

he is a proper youth!

denoting a subset or subgroup that does not constitute the entire set or group, especially one that has more than one element

satisfactorily or correctly

my eyes were all blurry and I couldn't see proper

the part of a church service that varies with the season or feast

we go to the High Mass, with plainsong propers sung by the Ritual Choir