Personal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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personal
[ˈpəːs(ə)n(ə)l ]
Definitions
development
Relating to or affecting a particular person or individuals rather than anyone else.
Synonyms
individual, particular, private.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| personal |
This word is used to describe things related to a person's private life or their own individual feelings, thoughts, and experiences.
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| individual |
This term refers to a single person or thing, distinguishing them from a group. It highlights uniqueness or specific characteristics.
|
| private |
This word describes things that are kept or intended to be kept out of the public eye, usually referring to personal or sensitive matters or spaces. It has a more exclusive and confidential connotation.
|
| particular |
Use this word when you are referring to a specific item, detail, or aspect that you want to highlight or distinguish from others.
|
Examples of usage
- She received personal tuition
- It's a personal matter
business
An advertisement or message in the personal column of a newspaper.
Synonyms
ad, advertisement, notice.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| personal |
Used for things that belong to a specific person or private matters.
|
| advertisement |
A formal way to refer to public notices about products, services, or events. Commonly used in professional or academic contexts.
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| notice |
Used when referring to an official announcement or warning, often posted in public places.
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| ad |
A short form of advertisement, typically used in informal contexts like everyday conversations or digital settings.
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Examples of usage
- She found a job through a personal
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Personal experiences shape our identities, influencing behavior, beliefs, and emotional well-being.
- The concept of personal space in psychology defines the physical distance people maintain during interactions.
- Self-disclosure, sharing personal information, is crucial for building trust in relationships.
Pop Culture
- Many popular songs explore themes of personal struggles and identity, making them relatable to listeners.
- Reality TV shows often focus on personal stories to create deeper connections with viewers.
- In literature, personal narratives often allow readers to empathize with characters through their unique experiences.
Technology
- Social media encourages sharing of personal moments, impacting how we connect with friends and family.
- The rise of personal assistants, like Siri and Alexa, has changed the way we interact with technology in our daily lives.
- Data privacy is increasingly important, as personal information is often collected by apps and websites.
Arts
- Personal expression is a fundamental aspect of art, allowing artists to convey their unique experiences and emotions.
- Many artists use personal narratives to challenge societal norms and provoke thought in their audiences.
- Autobiographical works in literature and visual arts invite viewers to engage with the artist's life story.
Origin of 'personal'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'personalis', meaning 'of a person', originally referring to roles in society.
- In Middle English, it was 'persunal', showing how the term evolved as language changed.
- The meaning has broadened over time, now encompassing things that relate to one's private life or identity.
The word 'personal' originated in the mid 14th century from the Old French word 'personel' which means 'of or related to a person'. It has been used to describe something specific or unique to an individual rather than a generalization. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a wide range of meanings, from individualized to private or confidential.
See also: depersonalization, depersonalize, depersonalizing, impersonate, impersonation, impersonator, nonperson, people, personable, personage, personages, personalities, personality, personalizer, personally, personification, personified, personify, personifying, personnel, persons.