per se

[ pur sey, see, per ]

adverb

1. by, of, for, or in itself; intrinsically:

   This candidate is not a pacifist per se, but he is in favor of peaceful solutions when practicable.

   Synonyms: fundamentally, indigenously, inherently, innately

per se

/ ˈpɜː ˈseɪ /

adverb

1. by or in itself; intrinsically

Word History and Origins

Origin of per se¹

First recorded in 1565–75; from Latin per sē “by itself,” translation of Greek kath’ autó

Word History and Origins

Origin of per se¹

Latin

Example Sentences

"As a public official, I take no position on Brexit per se," he will say.

From BBC

It's not that it's likely, per se, but it is no doubt a possibility.

From Salon

But it isn’t screen credits per se that make someone eligible, said Ana Martinez, producer of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s Hollywood Walk of Fame, which has been honoring stars on Hollywood Boulevard since 1958.

From Los Angeles Times

I didn’t have girl or woman troubles or anything like that per se at that age, but I have had my fair share of pain.

From Los Angeles Times

But this story, at its crux, is not about her salary per se.

From BBC