Showing results for "per se"

SEE ALSO:

Translations dictionary results for per se.

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

---

per se British  

/ ˈpɜː ˈseɪ /

adverb

1. by or in itself; intrinsically

---

Etymology

Origin of per se

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

per se

A. It wasn’t a surprise, per se, but I was struck by how much the Journal’s own reporting came up in these cases.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026

Rhys: I don’t think it’s changed, per se.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 20, 2026

She had no “estate” per se; she and her daughter bought a house together, with the right of survivorship, so her daughter automatically gets full ownership of the house.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 6, 2026

They didn’t eliminate it per se, but they turned it into a pro forma, symbolic chamber.

From Slate ● Jul. 31, 2026

It was good there: no gangs, a movie every day, four-man rooms with the doors unlocked during the day, no COs per se.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover