personally
- 1As far as oneself is concerned; used to offer one's own opinion or describe one's own situation rather than a general view.
Personally, I'd rather rent than take on a mortgage right now.
My brother loves horror movies, but personally I find them more silly than scary.
UsageOften opens the sentence (Personally, I'd rather wait) or comes before the verb: I personally think.
Note
A sentence adverb that frames the whole statement as the speaker's own view rather than modifying a single verb. It can open the sentence, as in Conan Doyle's The Lost World (1912): "Personally I felt shy and uncomfortable." It can also trail at the end after a comma: I'm really annoyed with her, personally. In either position it marks the reaction as the speaker's own, often against someone else's.
- 2In person; through one's own presence or action rather than through an agent or intermediary.
The CEO personally interviewed each finalist for the position.
Rather than delegating the apology, the manager delivered it personally.
UsageBefore the verb or at the end of the clause, usually with no comma: personally interviewed, thanked us personally.
Similardirectly
Oppositeindirectly
Note
Here the emphasis falls on doing something oneself instead of sending someone else. W. B. Maxwell's The Mirror and the Lamp (1918) has a man who personally visited dust-bins. In the 1956 translation of Heidi, a boy wants to speak to Miss Clara personally.
- 3In a manner that concerns or is directed at someone as an individual, often engaging private feelings.
He tried not to take the rejection personally, but it stung for weeks.
The editorial attacked the mayor personally instead of addressing his policies.
UsageMost often take something personally; also attack someone personally, instead of their ideas.
Oppositeimpersonally
- 4As a person; with regard to one's individual character rather than one's role, office, or abilities.
The senator is personally charming, whatever you make of her politics.
I have nothing against him personally; my objection is to the proposal itself.
UsageOften in a contrast with someone's job or views: nothing against him personally, personally charming.
Practice
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Origin
From Middle English personally (also spelled personely, personallich, personaliche), formed from personal plus the suffix -ly.
Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- Personally derives from Middle English personally, also spelled personely, personallich and personaliche. en.wiktionary.org
- The word is formed from personal plus -ly. en.wiktionary.org