persona

[ per-soh-nuh ]

noun

, plural per·so·nae [per-, soh, -nee], per·so·nas.

1. a person.
2. personae, the characters in a play, novel, etc.
3. the narrator of or a character in a literary work, sometimes identified with the author.
4. (in the psychology of C. G. Jung) the mask or façade presented to satisfy the demands of the situation or the environment and not representing the inner personality of the individual; the public personality ( anima ).
5. a person's perceived or evident personality, as that of a well-known official, actor, or celebrity; personal image; public role.

persona

/ pɜːˈsəʊnə /

noun

1. often plural a character in a play, novel, etc
2. an assumed identity or character
3. (in Jungian psychology) the mechanism that conceals a person's true thoughts and feelings, esp in his adaptation to the outside world

Word History and Origins

Origin of persona¹

First recorded in 1905–10, persona is from the Latin word persōna mask, character. See person

Word History and Origins

Origin of persona¹

Latin: mask

Example Sentences

Morgan's Razzlekhan persona went viral on social media when the case emerged.

From BBC

Ultimately, the conflict between societal expectations and Danson’s persona only added to the subversion.

From Los Angeles Times

Towards the end of the show, she switched from her high-energy persona to speak about Payne.

From BBC

His persona and name help TV ratings, and draw clicks and readers.

From Los Angeles Times

With every bit of trivia I learned, the walk I thought I knew well surprised me, like a longtime acquaintance shedding their persona, revealing unexpected sides of themselves.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• character
• identity
• personality