Personally
ˈpɜːrsənəli
Definitions
2 meaningsIn a direct or individual manner; without intermediaries.
ˈpɜːrsənəli
In a personal way or manner; by oneself.
I prefer to handle complaints personally.
💡 Simply: It's like doing something yourself, not through someone else. Like when you tell your friend a secret personally – you didn't text it, you said it face-to-face!
👶 For kids: When you do something all by yourself, like when you give someone a hug personally, not your mom or dad giving the hug for you.
More Examples
The author chose to sign each book personally.
I apologize personally for any inconvenience.
How It's Used
"I handle all my finances personally."
"The CEO addressed the employees personally."
From one's own point of view or in one's own opinion.
ˈpɜːrsənəli
As far as one is concerned.
Personally, I'm not a fan of horror movies.
💡 Simply: This is how YOU feel or what YOU think. Like, "Personally, I love ice cream," means you, and only you, love ice cream!
👶 For kids: When you talk about how YOU feel or what YOU think, like, "Personally, I like playing with my toys."
More Examples
Personally, I think the changes are beneficial.
Personally, I prefer tea over coffee.
How It's Used
"Personally, I think it's a bad idea."
"Personally, I disagree with the policy."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
personally speaking
Used to indicate that one is giving one's own opinion.
"Personally speaking, I think the film was a bit boring."
From Middle English *personel*, from Old French *personel* ('personal'), from Latin *personalis* ('of a person, individual'), from *persona* ('person').
The adverb 'personally' has been used in English since the late 14th century, evolving from the earlier adjective form.
Memory tip
Think of a person-to-person interaction.
Word Origin
"mask; character"