DictionaryAI

personally

adverb
SayPUR-suh-nuh-leeUS/ˈpɝ.sə.nə.li/UK/ˈpɜː.sə.nə.li/

4 meanings of personally

Practice

  1. 1
    for my partadverb
    Used when you give your own opinion or talk about how something affects you.

    Personally, I think the blue shirt looks better on you.

    The new rule doesn't affect me personally, but I worry about my neighbors.

    UsageOften at the start: Personally, I think. You can also say I personally think.

    Note
  2. 2
    doing it yourselfadverb
    Doing something yourself instead of asking someone else to do it.

    Like handing a gift to your friend yourself instead of sending it in the mail.

    The chef came out of the kitchen to thank us personally.

    The coach called every player's parents personally to share the news.

    UsagePut it before the verb or at the end: personally called, thank you personally.

    Similardirectly

    Oppositeindirectly

    Note
  3. 3
    affecting you directlyadverb
    In a way that is about you as a person and can touch your feelings.

    Don't take it personally. The rule is the same for everyone.

    She felt the teacher's words were meant personally, not for the whole class.

    UsageWe often say don't take it personally, meaning don't feel it as an attack on you.

    Oppositeimpersonally

  4. 4
    apart from roleadverb
    Used to talk about what someone is like as a person, not their job.

    I like our boss personally, but I do not always agree with his choices.

    Her job makes her seem strict, but personally she is warm and funny.

    UsageOften with a contrast: I like him personally, but not his ideas.

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of personally apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Middle English personally, made from the word personal plus -ly.

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 2 facts