personality

American  

[pur-suh-nal-i-tee] / ˌpɜr səˈnæl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

personalities

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 British  

/ 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 Cultural  

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

---

Related Words

See character.

Etymology

Origin of personality

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

Example Sentences

Inspired by the set design for Big Tigger’s “Rap City: The Basement” show on BET, Cudi wanted to fill his podcast set with items that reflect his personality and energy.

From Los Angeles Times

In a world where digital optimization can make just about anyone sound passable on the microphone, a pop singer with personality whose voice actually communicates stands out.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Swedish pop singer maintains her distinct musical personality on a new album—her first since 2018—reflecting on life in middle age.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ferreira initially gained notoriety as an online personality with a popular Tumblr account before transitioning to modeling and then acting, most notably in the first two seasons of the series “Euphoria.”

From Los Angeles Times

You have two personality traits: no friends here, no trapeze.

From Literature

Related Words

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