personally

adverb

per·​son·​al·​ly ˈpərs-nə-lē How to pronounce personally (audio)
ˈpər-sə-nə-
Synonyms of personallynext
1
: in person
attend to the matter personally
2
: as a person : in personality
personally attractive but not very trustworthy
3
: for oneself : as far as oneself is concerned
personally, I don't want to go
4
: in a personal manner
don't take this personally
5
: in a way that involves someone's personal life
I don't know her personally. [=I have never met her]
often, specifically : in a way that involves someone's personal life as opposed to someone's work or job
I know her both personally and professionally.

Synonyms of personally

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Examples of personally in a Sentence

You will be held personally responsible for any losses or damages. The player was personally criticized by his coach. He blamed me personally for causing the problem. I was personally offended by the article.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mukerji said her film choices have always come down to what moved her personally first – stories that needed telling, that could inspire and empower. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026 In 2025, Wanda Sykes, who co-hosted the 2022 Oscars with Amy Schumer and Regina Hall, told Variety that Smith had apologized to her personally for disrupting the show with the slap. — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026 In response, Huang once again stepped in personally to reassure the market. — CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026 Rod Seaford, the board chair and the attorney running the hearing, had personally responded to the allegations in 2005, court records show. — Molly Hensley-Clancy, ProPublica, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for personally

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of personally was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing personally

Rhymes for personally

See All Rhymes for personally

Browse Nearby Words

personal loan
personally
personal name
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Personally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/personally. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

personally

adverb
per·​son·​al·​ly ˈpərs-nə-lē How to pronounce personally (audio)
-ᵊn-ə-
1
: in person
attend to the matter personally
2
: as a person : in personality
personally attractive
3
: for oneself : as far as oneself is concerned
personally, I am against it

More from Merriam-Webster on personally

Nglish: Translation of personally for Spanish Speakers

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