Personally: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ‘ค
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personally

 

[ หˆpษœห.sษ™n.ษ™.li ]

Adverb / Adjective
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adverb

in a personal or individual manner

In a way that relates to or affects a particular person rather than anyone else. Personally is often used to emphasize that the speaker is speaking for themselves and not on behalf of anyone else. It is used to express a personal opinion or feeling.

Synonyms

individually, privately, subjectively.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
personally

Use when expressing your own opinion or when discussing something that affects you directly.

  • Personally, I think this movie is amazing.
  • I personally feel that we should pursue a different strategy.
individually

Use when referring to one person at a time, emphasizing that each person is considered separately.

  • The teacher spoke to the students individually to understand their concerns.
  • Each cookie is individually wrapped for freshness.
privately

Use when talking about something that is done or discussed away from public view, in a confidential or personal manner.

  • Can we talk privately about this issue?
  • They met privately to discuss the terms of the contract.
subjectively

Use when discussing something based on personal feelings, tastes, or opinions, and not on external facts or evidence.

  • Subjectively speaking, I prefer the old design over the new one.
  • Her review of the book was quite subjective.

Examples of usage

  • I personally believe that we should focus on this issue.
  • Do you think it's appropriate to ask someone about their personal life?
Context #2 | Adjective

used to emphasize that something is done or felt by one person rather than by someone else

Used to emphasize that something is done or felt by one person rather than by someone else. Personally can be used to express a strong personal feeling or preference.

Synonyms

individually, privately, subjectively.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
personally

Used when expressing one's own opinion, feelings, or involvement. It emphasizes personal perspective or experience.

  • Personally, I think the movie was great.
  • I will handle this matter personally.
individually

Used when referring to one person or item at a time, often highlighting separation or distinction from others.

  • Each student was interviewed individually.
  • The items are sold individually, not as a set.
privately

Used to denote a conversation or action that is not meant for public knowledge, often emphasizing confidentiality.

  • She discussed the issue privately with her boss.
  • They met privately to resolve their differences.
subjectively

Used when emphasizing that a statement or perception is based on personal feelings, tastes, or opinions rather than external facts.

  • The review was written subjectively, reflecting the author's personal taste.
  • Subjectively, I find this music calming.

Examples of usage

  • I have a personally signed copy of his latest book.
  • She takes personally any criticism of her work.

Translations

Translations of the word "personally" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น pessoalmente

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคตเฅเคฏเค•เฅเคคเคฟเค—เคค เคฐเฅ‚เคช เคธเฅ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช persรถnlich

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ secara pribadi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะพัะพะฑะธัั‚ะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ osobiล›cie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅ€‹ไบบ็š„ใซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท personnellement

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ personalmente

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ลŸahsen

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฐœ์ธ์ ์œผ๋กœ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุดุฎุตูŠู‹ุง

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ osobnฤ›

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ osobne

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไบฒ่‡ช

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ osebno

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ persรณnulega

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะตะบะต

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒ˜แƒ แƒแƒ“แƒแƒ“

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลŸษ™xsษ™n

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ personalmente

Etymology

The word 'personally' originated from the combination of the words 'person' and 'ally' in the late 14th century. It evolved over time to its current usage meaning 'in a personal or individual manner'. The adverb form of 'personally' has been commonly used in English language to express personal opinions or feelings.

See also: depersonalization, depersonalize, depersonalizing, impersonate, impersonation, impersonator, nonperson, people, personable, personage, personages, personal, personalities, personality, personalizer, personification, personified, personify, personifying, personnel, persons.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,388, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.