personality

[ pur-suh-nal-i-tee ]

noun

, plural per·son·al·i·ties.

1. the visible aspect of one's character as it impresses others:

   He has a pleasing personality.

2. a person as an embodiment of a collection of qualities:

   He is a curious personality.

3. Psychology.
   1. the sum total of the physical, mental, emotional, and social characteristics of an individual.
   2. the organized pattern of behavioral characteristics of the individual.
4. the quality of being a person; existence as a self-conscious human being; personal identity.
5. the essential character of a person.
6. something apprehended as reflective of or analogous to a distinctive human personality, as the atmosphere of a place or thing:

   This house has a warm personality.

7. a famous, notable, or prominent person; celebrity.
8. application or reference to a particular person or particular persons, often in disparagement or hostility.
9. a disparaging or offensive statement referring to a particular person:

   The political debate deteriorated into personalities.

personality

/ ˌpɜːsəˈnælɪtɪ /

noun

1. psychol the sum total of all the behavioural and mental characteristics by means of which an individual is recognized as being unique
2. the distinctive character of a person that makes him socially attractive

   a salesman needs a lot of personality

3. a well-known person in a certain field, such as sport or entertainment
4. a remarkable person

   the old fellow is a real personality

5. the quality of being a unique person
6. the distinctive atmosphere of a place or situation
7. often plural a personal remark

personality

1. The pattern of feelings, thoughts, and activities that distinguishes one person from another.

Word History and Origins

Origin of personality¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English personalite, from Middle French, from Late Latin persōnālitās, from Latin persōnāl(is) personal + -itās -ity

Synonym Study

See character.

Example Sentences

It's a word used to describe people who only develop a sexual attraction to others after forming a deep bond based on their personality, rather than feeling an instant connection.

From BBC

Logan Paul, the massively popular social media personality, is facing fresh questions over his cryptocurrency dealings amid ongoing concerns he may have profited from misleading fans.

From BBC

In rapid succession, Donald Trump is filling his Cabinet with former television personalities.

From Salon

On the other hand, Trump may be totally committed to revenge and destruction because of his core personality and how his mind and emotions work.

From Salon

Southern California has so many sports and so many intriguing personalities, it won’t be hard to find positive moments on a daily basis.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• charisma
• charm
• identity
• makeup
• nature
• psyche
• self
• temper
• temperament