Etymology Map
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Proper

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means truly what something is said to be; correct

Where does the word "proper" come from? It comes from Latin proprius, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
proprius
Latin · ancient
"one's own"
the root of 'property'
2
Stage 2 of 3
propre
Old French · medieval
"one's own"
the root of 'property' and 'appropriate'
3
Stage 3 of 3
proper
English · 1200s
"one's own"
'proper' as correct dates from the 1300s
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Read the full story

Proper’s story begins in Latin: proprius meant “one's own.” The root of 'property'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as propre. The root of 'property' and 'appropriate'. It reached English by 1200s as proper. 'proper' as correct dates from the 1300s. Today, proper means truly what something is said to be; correct.