Personality: meaning, definitions and examples
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personality
[ˌpɜː.səˈnæl.ə.t̬i ]
Definitions
psychology
The combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's distinctive character. It includes traits, behaviors, thoughts, and feelings.
Synonyms
character, disposition, nature, temperament.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| personality |
This word is best used when talking about the unique traits and behaviors that make someone distinct. It is often used in everyday conversation to describe how someone generally acts and interacts with others.
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| character |
Use this word when referring to someone's moral and ethical traits. It is often used in more serious or formal discussions, especially when evaluating someone's honesty, integrity, or reliability.
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| temperament |
Best used when discussing someone's general emotional state or typical reactions to situations. It usually describes someone's fundamental emotional makeup and is often used in psychology and personality studies.
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| nature |
Use 'nature' when describing the basic or inherent qualities of a person. It has a broader meaning and can refer to both positive and negative traits. This word is often used in philosophical or reflective contexts.
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| disposition |
This term suits situations where you want to talk about one's usual mood or tendency to behave in a certain way. It often specifies someone's habitual mood, whether they are cheerful, calm, irritable, etc.
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Examples of usage
- Her outgoing personality makes her a great leader in social situations.
- His kind personality always shines through in his interactions with others.
celebrity
The public image or persona that a famous person presents to the world.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| personality |
This is used to describe the combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's unique character. It is often used in general conversations about people and their behavior.
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| image |
This is often used to refer to the general impression that a person, organization, or product presents to the public. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts.
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| persona |
This is used to describe the aspect of someone's character that is presented to or perceived by others, especially in a specific context, like a public role or performance. It is often used in more formal or literary contexts.
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| public image |
This is specifically used to talk about how someone is perceived by the general public or society, often discussed in relation to celebrities, politicians, or companies.
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Examples of usage
- Her bubbly personality on screen is what attracts so many fans.
- His charismatic personality off-camera is what sets him apart from other actors.
social
The way in which a person presents themselves to others, characterized by behavior, attitudes, and social skills.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| personality |
Use this word when referring to the overall set of characteristics or traits that make someone unique. It encompasses a person's moods, attitudes, opinions, and values.
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| demeanor |
This word is best used when describing outward behavior or conduct, often in social situations. It focuses on how someone presents themselves at a particular moment.
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| presence |
Use this term when highlighting someone's noticeable or impactful existence in a space. It often carries a sense of charisma or importance that affects others around them.
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| manner |
This word is often used when talking about someone's way of behaving towards others; it can refer to their habits in social interactions. It can also refer to etiquette and respectfulness.
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Examples of usage
- Her warm personality makes everyone feel welcome in her presence.
- His outgoing personality helps him connect with people easily.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'personality' comes from the Latin 'persona', meaning 'mask' or 'character', highlighting how people can show different sides of themselves.
- First used in English in the late 14th century, it originally referred to the 'mask' one wore in society, hinting at its roots in theatre.
- Its use expanded in the 19th century to refer more to individual traits and behaviors, not just public personas.
Psychology
- Major theories of personality include Freud's psychoanalytic theory, which focuses on unconscious motives, and the Big Five model that assesses openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.
- Personality assessments, like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), categorize people into types based on their preferences for interaction, decision-making, and structure.
- Research shows that personality can influence life outcomes such as career success, relationships, and even health.
Pop Culture
- Many celebrities craft their public personality carefully, leading to diverse fan bases and sometimes controversial images.
- Television shows like 'The Real World' and 'Survivor' explore varied personalities and how they interact when put in unique situations.
- Personality quizzes are popular on social media, allowing users to discover traits that they (or their friends) might share.
Social Sciences
- Cultural differences significantly shape personality, with collectivist societies valuing harmony and community, while individualistic cultures prioritize personal achievement.
- Studies indicate that personality traits can evolve over time due to life experiences, relationships, and shifting goals.
- Gender roles and expectations often influence how personalities are expressed and perceived in various cultures.
Education
- Understanding students' personalities can help educators tailor teaching methods and create supportive learning environments.
- Personality development is a critical part of childhood education, as it fosters social skills and emotional intelligence.
- Group activities in classrooms often reveal diverse personalities, leading to improved teamwork and communication among students.
Translations
Translations of the word "personality" in other languages:
🇵🇹 personalidade
🇮🇳 व्यक्तित्व
🇩🇪 Persönlichkeit
🇮🇩 kepribadian
🇺🇦 особистість
🇵🇱 osobowość
🇯🇵 性格
🇫🇷 personnalité
🇪🇸 personalidad
🇹🇷 kişilik
🇰🇷 성격
🇸🇦 شخصية
🇨🇿 osobnost
🇸🇰 osobnosť
🇨🇳 个性
🇸🇮 osebnost
🇮🇸 persónuleiki
🇰🇿 тұлға
🇬🇪 პერსონა
🇦🇿 şəxsiyyət
🇲🇽 personalidad