personality

[ pur-suh-nal-i-tee ]

noun

, plural per·son·al·i·ties.

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

The holidaymaker was described by his family as "a young man full of personality, kindness and compassion with his whole life ahead of him".

From BBC

But it is also avoids complicated computer algorithms and relies instead on more traditional personality quizzes shared with members online at the start of every month.

From BBC

She is creating viral moments, not only with her world-class striking, but with her ruthless personality, illustrated by her lipstick celebration after defeating Santos.

From BBC

The court heard that at the time of the attacks, Mr MacDonald was affected by autism and post traumatic stress disorder with depression, anxiety and a personality disorder in the background.

From BBC

Perhaps it was inevitable that two such powerful families would become rivals in the maelstrom of Filipino politics, which is still largely about personalities, big families and regions.

From BBC

Related Words

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