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

If there is a consistency to his work, it is that of cool, fastidious stylishness, in which the particulars of site, client and program were the dominant factors, and not the personality of the architect.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Guehi, a proven Premier League defender with personality, speed and plenty of good decisions, is seen as the kind of stabilising presence who can challenge immediately for minutes.

Read more on BBC

Death is not suited to the Type A personality.

Read more on Salon

He asked about my wife’s interests and personality, and my budget.

Read more on Barron's

Cognitive diversity stems more from differences in education, career paths, political views, problem-solving styles and personality.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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