personalia

[ pur-suh-ney-lee-uh, -neyl-yuh ]

/ ˌpɜr səˈneɪ li ə, -ˈneɪl yə /

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plural noun

personal belongings.

biographical data, personal reminiscences, or the like: He could never keep the personalia out of his essays.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of personalia

First recorded in 1860–65; from Late Latin, neuter plural of Latin persōnālis; see person + -al¹

Words nearby personalia

personal effects, personal equation, personal equity plan, personal flotation device, personal foul, personalia, personal identification number, personalism, personality, personality cult, personality disorder

How to use personalia in a sentence

He came into office, held it and left it without a single concession to Demos' love of personalia.
Mr. Punch's History of the Great War|Punch
Several years ago when she met my husband she volunteered to write some nice little personalia about him.
My Actor-Husband|Anonymous
One reason for this lack of personalia about a man who had a most vigorous personality is due to his dying request.
Stories of Authors, British and American|Edwin Watts Chubb
The most interesting part of the book is that which is devoted to personalia.
The Art of Letters|Robert Lynd

Mr Gosse in Personalia gives a different account, pp. 23, 24.
Robert Browning|Edward Dowden