Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • In an improper manner; not fitly; unsuitably; incongruously: as, to speak or write improperly.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • adverb In an improper manner; not properly; unsuitably; unbecomingly.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • adverb in an improper manner; not properly

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • adverb in an improper way

Etymologies

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Examples

  • I would guess there was some consternation when Spain "improperly" acquired the area from the indigenous people.

    Mexican American War - Take sides 2006

  • Funny, though, that the freedom to buy drugs, some of which can kill you if used improperly, is so much more controversial here than the freedom to buy a gun, any of which can kill a lot of people when used exactly as intended … novakant Says:

    Matthew Yglesias » By Request: Your Crime Control Policy On Drugs 2009

  • This time around, the neurotic dimwit who raises his voice improperly is one Jackie Moon, the owner/coach/power forward of the Tropics, and ABA franchise in the bustling metropolis of Flint, Michigan.

    Current Movie Reviews, Independent Movies - Film Threat 2008

  • Food and Drug Administration, it is possible to suffer lead poisoning if you consume food or beverages that have been stored or served in improperly glazed ceramic ware.

    Mexico - travelers tips 2007

  • Food and Drug Administration, it is possible to suffer lead poisoning if you consume food or beverages that have been stored or served in improperly glazed ceramic ware.

    Mexico - travelers tips 2007

  • She might have used the word improperly, and meant ‘admirer’ all the time.

    A Pair of Blue Eyes 2006

  • She might have used the word improperly, and meant 'admirer' all the time.

    A Pair of Blue Eyes Thomas Hardy 1884

  • Page xxiii view page image: tor himself had corrected in some other place: and where he had rendered a Chinese title improperly, it hath been set right from better authorities: two or three instances have occurred of this kind, wherein it was thought unnecessary to detain the

    Hau Kiou Choaan : 1761

  • He may have jumped to say his name while Roberts was finishing the first line (no telling how they rehearsed it) but it was Roberts, the Constitutionalist, who blew it by leaving out "faithfully" and it was Obama who knew the oath well enough to stop before saying in improperly.

    Barack Obama can't even repeat the Oath of Office without the prompt being repeated Not a sheep 2009

  • In their ignorant innocence many ex-pats use that word improperly, and sometimes assume honorary titles that a person may never use themselves.

    Larrainza 2009

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