personally

[ pur-suh-nl-ee ]

adverb

1. through direct contact; in person; directly:

   I will thank him personally.

2. as if intended for or directed at one's own person:

   to take someone's comments personally.

3. as regards oneself:

   Personally, I don't care to go.

4. as an individual:

   to like someone personally, but not as an employer.

personally

/ ˈpɜːsənəlɪ /

adverb

1. without the help or intervention of others

   I'll attend to it personally

2. sentence modifier in one's own opinion or as regards oneself

   personally, I hate onions

3. as if referring to oneself

   to take the insults personally

4. as a person

   we like him personally, but professionally he's incompetent

Word History and Origins

Origin of personally¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; personal + -ly

Example Sentences

He will manage the press personally, and try to make sure he gets exactly the reporting he wants.

From Salon

Golden’s reality-TV background and matchmaking insight — she said she’s personally responsible for three successful marriages to date — are behind her new comedy show and divorced singles mixer debuting Saturday night at Westside Comedy Theater in Santa Monica.

From Los Angeles Times

"Not only did Musk go 'all in' in supporting Trump personally and financially during the campaign, but he’s also evolved into a trusted adviser on topics as diverse as technology policy to the war in Ukraine."

From BBC

On that note, is there something you’re taking away from this project, either personally or professionally?

From Los Angeles Times

“My heart is so full,” Jackson told the magazine, adding she is excited for a “new chapter in my life” personally and professionally.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• directly
• individually
• privately