per se

American  

[pur sey, see, per] / pɜr ˈseɪ, ˈsi, pər /

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

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per se British  

/ ˈpɜː ˈseɪ /

adverb

1. by or in itself; intrinsically

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Etymology

Origin of per se

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

Example Sentences

Yet “policy uncertainty” is not about policy change, per se, but rather about the unpredictability of future policy.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

While there’s nothing wrong, per se, with ExpressVPN’s extra bundled goodies, they come down to fluff.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2026

But before that, I was really upset, not with the numbers per se, but not being able to help.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

He’s not making demands, per se, of the Iranians.

From Slate • Mar. 2, 2026

“Well, maybe I don’t blend in per se, but my photo is usually used in the admissions brochures,” I said.

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan