personality

[pur-suh-nal-i-tee]

noun

plural

personalities 

1. the visible aspect of one's character as it impresses others.

   He has a pleasing personality.

2. a person as an embodiment of a collection of qualities.

   He is a curious personality.

3. Psychology.

   1. the sum total of the physical, mental, emotional, and social characteristics of an individual.

   2. the organized pattern of behavioral characteristics of the individual.

4. the quality of being a person; existence as a self-conscious human being; personal identity.

5. the essential character of a person.

6. something apprehended as reflective of or analogous to a distinctive human personality, as the atmosphere of a place or thing.

   This house has a warm personality.

7. a famous, notable, or prominent person; celebrity.

8. application or reference to a particular person or particular persons, often in disparagement or hostility.

9. a disparaging or offensive statement referring to a particular person.

   The political debate deteriorated into personalities.

personality

/ ˌpɜːsəˈnælɪtɪ /

noun

1. psychol the sum total of all the behavioural and mental characteristics by means of which an individual is recognized as being unique

2. the distinctive character of a person that makes him socially attractive

   a salesman needs a lot of personality

3. a well-known person in a certain field, such as sport or entertainment

4. a remarkable person

   the old fellow is a real personality

5. the quality of being a unique person

6. the distinctive atmosphere of a place or situation

7. (often plural) a personal remark

personality

1. The pattern of feelings, thoughts, and activities that distinguishes one person from another.

Word History and Origins

Origin of personality¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English personalite, from Middle French, from Late Latin persōnālitās, from Latin persōnāl(is) personal + -itās -ity

Synonym Study

See character.

Example Sentences

Jack Grealish has been a player and personality reborn since joining Everton on loan from Manchester City, but Tuchel saw fit to ignore the clamour for an England recall when he selected his latest squad.

Read more on BBC

It is strange how different those two presidents are in style and personality.

Read more on Salon

But it’s also what made Candy so beloved: As funny as he was, he could turn on a dime to remind us that even the grandest personalities are human at their core.

Read more on Salon

Not only was there a language barrier between him and his new club, but the rookie also built walls around his personality.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Now, he’s become known for his big personality, his hands-on approach in molding Milwaukee’s brand of baseball … and more lighthearted habits, like the “pocket pancakes” he’ll gobble up in the middle of games.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• charisma 
• charm 
• identity 
• makeup 
• nature 
• psyche 
• self 
• temper 
• temperament