personality

American  

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

noun

personalities plural

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

Explanation

Your personality is what makes you "you" — the combination of characteristics that make you unique. Despite sharing some of the same genes, your siblings may have different personalities from you. You may be outgoing and upbeat, your sister may be quiet and reserved, and your brother may be a perennial pessimist. A personality can also refer to someone who is well known in a certain field — such as a sports or television personality.

Example Sentences

Eckert is quite a unique personality, someone that comes across as a very different person to the likes of previous Saints managers Still and Russell Martin.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

“I think it would be foolish not to keep focused on the British quirkiness and personality that resonates through the Paul Smith brand,” Venters said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

The tail-wagging detective with a "joyful and goofy" personality retired with an extensive list of accolades -- including an Animal of the Year award and Puppy Tales Photos Australian Dog of the Year award.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

That would set up an expected Nov. 3 runoff against Raman or former reality TV personality Spencer Pratt, who are running neck-and-neck for a second-place finish.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

“Mostly, I regaled her about my charming personality and impeccable taste.”

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

Related Words

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