personality

American  

[pur-suh-nal-i-tee] / ˌpɜr səˈnæl ɪ ti /

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.

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personality British  

/ 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

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personality Cultural  

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

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Related Words

See character.

Etymology

Origin of personality

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

Example Sentences

That put the 54-year-old Tesla chief in an uncomfortable position at various points during the war as he navigated the tension between his outspoken personality and his companies’ commercial interests in foreign countries.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Right now our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom,” the longtime “Today” personality and journalist wrote on behalf of her family.

From Los Angeles Times

“His personality is contagious to the audience. They love him. He’s a great performer.”

From Los Angeles Times

Jeglertz has given them flexibility in their playing style, urged his players to show personality and creativity, and made them feel like they are the world's best.

From BBC

Every gesture, word and expression is a marvel to behold, made all the more stunning by the fact that Seyfried essentially plays three different personality types throughout the film.

From Salon

Related Words

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