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

You’ve never been a political band per se, but “Ordinary Loss” is such a blunt statement about how bleak everything feels right now.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

That some things are tasteless not because they’re uncool, per se, but because they are, as Hayao Miyazaki once said, “an insult to life itself.”

From Slate • Apr. 23, 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

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

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

"And two hundred and fourteen meters isn't a hard limit, per se."

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir