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

Bent on surviving the trip, she decides early to bury her feelings in an impenetrable “garb of stone” and to fashion for herself an imperious personality.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

She typically acts unbothered, but on this vulnerable track, she sheds a little light on her lover girl personality as she romanticizes all the ways she wants to build a life with a new man.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

“Jessie Jones was a beautiful, hilarious and strong Texas woman with personality plus,” Wooten said Wednesday in a statement to People.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Around 20 new cast members have been announced including singer Rosalía and media personality Trisha Paytas.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Bobby, therefore, frequently became a victim of a twisted interpretation of his personality.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Related Words

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