Person Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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person
[ˈpɜːrs(ə)n ]
Definitions
human being
A human being regarded as an individual. People considered collectively, especially in the context of social values and responsibilities. An individual's body, mind, and spirit. A character in a play, novel, or movie.
Synonyms
character, human being, individual, individuality.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| person |
This is a general term for any human and is used in everyday conversation.
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| individual |
Used to highlight a single person in contrast to a group. Often used in formal or technical contexts.
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| human being |
A more formal term used to emphasize that someone belongs to the species Homo sapiens. It can be used in scientific or philosophical discussions.
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| individuality |
Refers to the qualities and characteristics that make one person different from others.
|
| character |
Often used to describe someone's personality, moral qualities, or behavior. It can also refer to a role in a story or play.
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Examples of usage
- She is a very kind person.
- The rights of the individual person are important.
- He is a person of integrity and honesty.
grammatical
A category used in the classification of pronouns, possessive determiners, and verb forms according to whether they indicate the speaker, the audience, or a third party.
Synonyms
grammatical category, point of view.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| person |
Use 'person' when referring to an individual human being. It's a general word suitable for most everyday contexts.
|
| grammatical category |
Use 'grammatical category' in linguistic or academic contexts when talking about the classification of words or syntax. It helps in analyzing grammar and sentence structure.
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| point of view |
Use 'point of view' when talking about how someone sees things, especially in storytelling or arguments. It focuses on personal opinions or positions.
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Examples of usage
- In 'I told you', 'I' is in the first person.
- The verb 'go' is in the third person singular form.
internet
To be present in or responsible for an online community or other online presence.
Synonyms
engage, interact, participate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| person |
Used to refer to an individual human being. It is neutral and very general.
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| participate |
Used when someone takes part in an activity or event.
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| engage |
Used when someone becomes involved or interested in something, often in a deeper, more committed way.
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| interact |
Used when describing the action of two or more people communicating or working together.
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Examples of usage
- She will be personning the chat support today.
- The company is currently personning their social media accounts.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In various cultures, the concept of being a 'person' can include certain rights and responsibilities, varying from one society to another.
- Some indigenous cultures have unique perspectives on personhood that recognize non-human entities, such as animals or nature, as having person-like qualities.
Psychology
- The study of identity often examines how different labels and roles influence a person's self-concept.
- Psychologists argue that understanding one's own personhood is crucial for mental health and self-esteem.
Philosophy
- Philosophical discussions about personhood explore what defines a person, including consciousness, self-awareness, and moral agency.
- Some theories assert that the capacity for reason and complex thought is a key factor in determining personhood.
Pop Culture
- In literature and film, characters often grapple with their identities, making the exploration of what it means to be a person a common theme.
- Popular shows, like 'The Good Place,' delve into philosophical questions about morality and what it means to be human.
Origin of 'person'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'person' comes from the Latin word 'persona', which referred to the masks actors wore in plays.
- Originally, 'persona' meant a role in a performance, indicating how individuals present themselves in society.
The word 'person' originated from the Latin word 'persona', which originally referred to a mask used by actors in ancient Roman theatre. Over time, the meaning evolved to represent an individual human being. The concept of personhood has been central to philosophical and legal discussions, defining rights, responsibilities, and identity. The word has been used in various contexts, from grammar to social sciences, reflecting its importance in human communication and interaction.