The difference between Correct and Proper

When used as adjectives, correct means free from error, whereas proper means suited or acceptable to the purpose or circumstances.


Correct is also verb with the meaning: to make something that was wrong become right.

Proper is also adverb with the meaning: properly.

check bellow for the other definitions of Correct and Proper

  1. Correct as an adjective:

    Free from error; true; accurate.

  2. Correct as an adjective:

    With good manners; well behaved; conforming with accepted standards of behaviour.

  1. Correct as a verb (transitive):

    To make something that was wrong become right; to remove error from.

    Examples:

    "The navigator corrected the course of the ship."

  2. Correct as a verb (by extension, transitive):

    To grade (examination papers).

  3. Correct as a verb (transitive):

    To inform (someone) of their error.

    Examples:

    "It's rude to correct your parents."

  1. Proper as an adjective:

    Suitable. Suited or acceptable to the purpose or circumstances; fit, suitable. Following the established standards of behavior or manners; correct or decorous.

    Examples:

    "the proper time to plant potatoes"

    "a very proper young lady"

  2. Proper as an adjective:

    Possessed, related. Used to designate a particular person, place, or thing. Proper nouns are usually written with an initial capital letter. Pertaining exclusively to a specific thing or person; particular. In the strict sense; within the strict definition or core (of a specified place, taxonomic order, idea, etc). Belonging to oneself or itself; own. Portrayed in natural or usual coloration, as opposed to conventional tinctures. Being strictly part of some other (not necessarily explicitly mentioned, but of definitional importance) thing, and not being the thing itself. Eigen-; designating a function or value which is an eigenfunction or eigenvalue.

    Examples:

    "usex [[proper subset]] — [[proper ideal]]"

  3. Proper as an adjective:

    Accurate, strictly applied. Excellent, of high quality; such as the specific person or thing should ideally be. (Now often merged with later senses.) Attractive, elegant. In the very strictest sense of the word. Utter, complete.

    Examples:

    "Now that was a proper breakfast."

    "When I realized I was wearing my shirt inside out, I felt a proper fool."

  1. Proper as an adverb (UK, colloquial):

    properly; thoroughly; completely

  2. Proper as an adverb (nonstandard, colloquial):

    properly