properly
Meaning
in a way that is correct, appropriate, or acceptable
in a way that is socially or morally acceptable
(informal) completely; thoroughly
Structure
Usage
make sure the device is properly installed before use.
he was not dressed properly for the formal occasion.
i was properly embarrassed by my mistake.
Etymology
the adverb 'properly' is built upon the adjective 'proper', which entered english from old french 'propre'. this, in turn, derives from latin 'proprius', meaning 'one's own, particular, belonging to oneself'. the core semantic shift from 'belonging to oneself' to 'suitable, correct' is logical, as what is inherently characteristic or fitting to a thing is deemed appropriate for it. the adverbial suffix '-ly', of germanic origin, was attached to form a word describing the manner of doing something in a correct or suitable way. thus, 'properly' etymologically conveys the idea of acting in a manner that is fitting to the inherent nature or accepted standards of a situation.
Analysis
proper (from latin 'proprius', meaning one's own, particular, suitable); ly (from old english '-līc', an adverbial suffix forming adverbs from adjectives).