properusage

noun

UK /ˈprɒpə ˈjuːsɪdʒ/

US /ˈprɑːpər ˈjuːsɪdʒ/

Proper usage means using words or things in the right way.

The teacher taught us the proper usage of commas in a sentence.

SYNONYMS

correct use right usage proper application correct practice good usage

RELATED WORDS

grammar etiquette convention correctness rules

OTHER MEANINGS

2. The correct way to use a tool or machine.

Read the manual to learn the proper usage of the drill.

3. Following accepted rules of polite behavior.

Proper usage of a napkin is something children learn at the table.

4. The standard way a word is used in a language.

Dictionaries show the proper usage of each word.