Also means
cleanly, neatly
Usage Note
Proprement has two common senses: literally 'cleanly' (manger proprement = to eat neatly), and in the phrase proprement dit or à proprement parler, meaning 'strictly speaking' or 'in the true sense of the word'. The latter usage is very common in formal French writing and argumentation.
Examples
"À proprement parler, ce n'est pas un mensonge."
Natural Translation
Strictly speaking, it is not a lie.
Related Words
Explore French by topic
FrenchNow
6 min read
FrenchNow
7 min read