adjective
proper
Having a numerator smaller in absolute value than the denominator.
One-half is a proper fraction.
Etymology
Proper developed the sense of fitting the defining character of a category. A proper fraction is the standard fractional case whose magnitude is less than a whole.
More examples
- She converted the result to a proper fraction.
- Every proper fraction in the exercise had a smaller numerator.
- The worksheet contrasted proper and improper fractions.
Forms
proper
Similar words
- improper
- Describes a fraction whose numerator is at least as large in absolute value.