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Showing results for "per se"
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Translations dictionary results for per se.
Synonyms

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of per se

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

"If you went to Sardis in 1950 there were a few things kind of sticking up above ground, but there was nothing really to see, per se," Anderson said.

From Science Daily Jun. 25, 2026

I think we need to do much more to support work per se, not the number of children that you have.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 4, 2026

The concept of loading up on protein isn’t new per se — it first took off in the late twentieth century when diet and fitness cultures had both gone mainstream.

From Salon May 7, 2026

De Zylva argues this misunderstands the point: "The purpose of the green belt isn't to be green per se, it is to be a buffer to prevent sprawl."

From BBC Apr. 22, 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

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