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View synonyms for per se

per se

[ pur sey, see, per ]

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



per se

/ ˈpɜː ˈseɪ /

adverb

  1. by or in itself; intrinsically


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Word History and Origins

Origin of per se1

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of per se1

Latin

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Example Sentences

These accusations against the 77-year-old comic are not—for the most part—actually news, per se.

This was not a musical performance, per se, but you bet your ass this was a “performance”—albeit a well-intentioned and noble one.

It was not a retrial per se, but rather a fresh look at the appeal process that freed Knox.

The state has a nonpartisan "jungle primary," so there is no GOP nominee per se.

Though she has clarified that she “and the autism community” are not anti-vaccine per se, they are “anti-toxin and anti-schedule.”

We must, for these reasons, guard against the misconception that the early awakening of sexuality is per se pathological.

Such sexual excitement is per se bad for the child's health; but the moral dangers are even more important.

To the clergy, the breaking of a marriage is an evil per se, and regardless of circumstances.

God never does wrong because evil has no attractive power per se.

We can also prove easily that there cannot be two necessary existents per se.

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tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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