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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:

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

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 20, 2026

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

From Slate Jul. 31, 2026

This is not an insurance policy, per se, it’s an optional agreement that waives your financial responsibility if the rental car is damaged or stolen.

From MarketWatch Jul. 21, 2026

“To make a comparison between events isn’t per se disqualifying. On the contrary, it creates connections,” he says.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 8, 2026

The plant that poisoned him wasn’t toxic, per se; McCandless simply had the misfortune to eat moldy seeds.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer

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