adjective

personal

PUR-suh-nuhl

adjective

Relating to a specific individual rather than to others or to the public.

"She keeps her personal life separate from work."

"That's a rather personal question to ask a stranger."

Done by someone directly, without going through another person.

"The CEO made a personal visit to thank the staff."

How to Use Personal

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBelonging to or concerning one particular individual, often something private.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "personnel" (the staff of an organization), which is pronounced and spelled similarly.

Easily confused with

personable → personnel →

Common pairings

personal information personal opinion take it personally

more personal comparative, personals plural, most personal superlative

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She keeps her _____ life separate from work.

From Late Latin personalis, "of a person," from persona ("person").

coronal rational diagonal seasonal national optional regional hormonal fictional emotional irrational impersonal