Translation
properly, strictly; peculiarly
Examples
dicitur.
This word is used in its strict sense.
difficile .
To speak precisely is difficult.
translate .
He spoke not literally but figuratively.
.
This matter belongs properly to the king.
servamus.
We keep what is properly our own.
Proprie is the adverb of proprius, "one's own, peculiar to". Its working sense in grammar, law and theology is "in the strict sense, literally", set against translate or metaphorice, "by transfer". Proprie loquendo is therefore a hedge: strictly speaking, and expect a qualification to follow.
The false friend is worth flagging. English "properly" has drifted towards "correctly" and "decently", and neither carries back. Proprie is about precision of reference, not about good behaviour; its natural partner is communiter, loosely, in the general sense.
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Start your free weekThis word is part of lesson 20.