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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:

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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