per se
Americanadverb
adverb
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.
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
There’s no harm in that per se, but you’ll have to forgive my irritation with Sudeikis, Lawrence, Hunt and fellow executive producer and showrunner Joe Kelly’s clumsiness with the team’s most complicated working relationship.
From Salon ● Sep. 10, 2026
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
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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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.