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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:

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

Although “Other Possible Worlds” focuses on Klee’s last decade, its thematic emphasis isn’t on Klee’s late work per se, but his art as “a form of resistance to Nazi ideology.”

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 8, 2026

"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

"We don't use it as a motivation per se, because that motivation is built within the players," says Jozak.

From BBC Jun. 17, 2026

Dr. Atchley, while an admirer of Dr. Greenfield, isn’t convinced that technology is addictive, per se, though Dr. Atchley remains open to the debate.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel

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