Personal effects Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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personal effects
[ˈpɜːrsənl ɪˈfɛkts ]
Definition
belongings
Personal effects refer to the items or belongings that belong to a person, typically carried on their person or kept in a specific place. These can include clothing, accessories, important documents, and personal belongings.
Synonyms
belongings, goods, possessions, property.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| personal effects |
Typically used to refer to personal items someone carries or owns that are small and often of sentimental value. This term is often used in legal or formal contexts.
|
| belongings |
Used in everyday conversation to refer to all the personal items someone owns, especially those they carried with them.
|
| possessions |
Used to refer to anything someone owns, including physical items and sometimes intangible assets. Can have a slightly higher register than 'belongings'.
|
| property |
Refers to items or assets that are owned by someone. Often used in legal contexts or when referring to real estate.
|
| goods |
Generally refers to items that are produced or manufactured for sale. This term is often used in business or commercial contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- She packed her personal effects in a suitcase before leaving for the trip.
- The police inventoried the victim's personal effects found at the crime scene.
- He kept his personal effects in a small bag he always carried with him.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- In legal terms, 'personal effects' often refers to belongings that can be easily moved, like jewelry and clothing.
- During estate planning, a person's 'personal effects' are usually specified separately from larger possessions, like real estate.
- Many insurance policies include coverage for personal effects, helping to protect your belongings from theft or damage.
Cultural Significance
- Around the world, personal possessions can hold deep sentimental value, connecting individuals to their heritage and memories.
- In various cultures, certain items are considered personal effects that symbolize rites of passage, such as graduation caps or wedding rings.
- Personal items are often integral in storytelling, influencing how artists depict character and identity in literature and film.
Psychology
- Personal belongings can affect psychological well-being; items that provide comfort can enhance feelings of safety and happiness.
- Studies show that belongings often reflect a person's identity, offering insights into their personality and life experiences.
- The act of surrounding oneself with personal effects can promote a sense of belonging and stability in one's environment.
Organizational Importance
- When moving or traveling, keeping track of personal effects is essential to avoid loss and ensure a smooth transition.
- Many people create inventory lists of their personal effects for organization, safety, or in preparation for potential emergencies.
- Organizing personal effects into categories can help in decluttering and managing space more effectively in homes and workspaces.
Art and Literature
- Personal effects often serve as powerful symbols in novels and can reflect character development or changes throughout the story.
- In visual arts, personal items are used to convey deeper meanings about identity, relationships, and human experiences.
- Memorabilia, as personal effects, showcases individuality and historical significance in art exhibitions and collections.
Origin of 'personal effects'
The term 'personal effects' dates back to the early 19th century and originates from the combination of the words 'personal' and 'effects'. It has been commonly used in legal and official contexts to refer to the belongings or possessions of an individual.