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

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

From Salon

Our rule confirms that there is no investment class or strategy that is per se unlawful for retirement plans.

From The Wall Street Journal

Such businesses recognize that the end goal is not profit per se but the flourishing of their customers, employees and communities.

From MarketWatch

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

From MarketWatch

They claim that features like so-called infinite scrolling and “like” buttons—not user posts per se—harm children.

From The Wall Street Journal