Properly Speaking (Adverb)
Meaning
In actual fact; "properly speaking, they are not husband and wife".
Examples
- The place where they met was a café, properly speaking, but it also had a small gift shop inside.
- He isn't a teacher, properly speaking, he's more of a tutor for students who need special attention.
- She's not technically an employee, properly speaking, the company is just giving her an allowance as an intern.
- A person saying they're 'never late' is being disingenuous, properly speaking, since it's practically impossible to make such a claim.
- It's not a hotel, properly speaking; the owners prefer to call it a bed-and-breakfast.