Transcription
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
-
- [im-prop-er]
- /ɪmˈprɒp ər/
- /ɪmˈprɒp.ər/
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [im-prop-er]
- /ɪmˈprɒp ər/
Definitions of improperly word
- adjective improperly not proper; not strictly belonging, applicable, correct, etc.; erroneous: He drew improper conclusions from the scant evidence. 1
- adjective improperly not in accordance with propriety of behavior, manners, etc.: improper conduct at a funeral. 1
- adjective improperly unsuitable or inappropriate, as for the purpose or occasion: improper attire for a formal dance. 1
- adjective improperly abnormal or irregular: improper functioning of the speech mechanism. 1
- noun improperly In an improper manner; not properly. 1
- adverb improperly indecently 1
Information block about the term
Origin of improperly
First appearance:
before 1535 One of the 29% oldest English words
From the Latin word improprius, dating back to 1535-45. See im-2, proper
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Improperly
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
improperly popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 87% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
According to our data about 52% of words is more used. This is a rare but used term. It occurs in the pages of specialized literature and in the speech of educated people.
improperly usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for improperly
adv improperly
- inadequately — not adequate or sufficient; inept or unsuitable.
- clumsily — awkward in movement or action; without skill or grace: He is very clumsy and is always breaking things.
- awkwardly — lacking skill or dexterity. Synonyms: clumsy, inept; unskillful, unhandy, inexpert. Antonyms: deft, adroit, skillful, dexterous; handy.
- badly — If something is done badly or goes badly, it is not very successful or effective.
- inappropriately — not appropriate; not proper or suitable: an inappropriate dress for the occasion.
adverb improperly
- indecorously — not decorous; violating generally accepted standards of good taste or propriety; unseemly.
- unsuitable — not suitable; inappropriate; unfitting; unbecoming.
- wrongly — not in accordance with what is morally right or good: a wrong deed.
- incorrectly — not correct as to fact; inaccurate; wrong: an incorrect statement.
- fitting — adapted or suited; appropriate: This water isn't fit for drinking. A long-necked giraffe is fit for browsing treetops.
verb improperly
- malfunctioning — failure to function properly: a malfunction of the liver; the malfunction of a rocket.
- conk out — If something such as a machine or a vehicle conks out, it stops working or breaks down.
- break down — If a machine or a vehicle breaks down, it stops working.
Antonyms for improperly
See also
Matching words
- Words starting with i
- Words starting with im
- Words starting with imp
- Words starting with impr
- Words starting with impro
- Words starting with improp
- Words starting with imprope
- Words starting with improper
- Words starting with improperl
- Words starting with improperly