How to Pronounce Proper

To pronounce "proper", say PROP-er — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈpɹɔp.ə/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

proper

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Accent

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Speed

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2

Syllables

6

Letters

/ˈpɹɔp.ə/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “proper”

"proper" has 2 syllables: prop-er. It rhymes with improper and pauper, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: propper — easy to mix up when writing.

What does proper mean?

noun

  1. Something set apart for a special use.

adjective

  1. (heading) Suitable.
  2. (heading) Possessed, related.

adverb

  1. Properly; thoroughly; completely.
  2. Properly.

Synonyms

comprehensiveintensiveroyalsweepingappropriatedecentgoodpolite

Antonyms

incompletepartialslapdashsuperficialbadill-mannered

Hear “proper” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with proper

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

improperpaupercopperhoppercropperpopperdroppersoportopperlopperbopperstopper

Related words

appropriatesuitableseemlydecentdecorousspecificrealfitting

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "proper"?▾

"Proper" has 2 syllables: prop · er.

What is the IPA transcription of "proper"?▾

The IPA transcription of "proper" is /ˈpɹɔp.ə/.

What does "proper" mean?▾

Proper: Something set apart for a special use.

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