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.

---

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

---

personality Cultural  

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

---

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

“They might let you stand in the back with them. We can’t change your neighbor’s personality, but we can try to make you more comfortable.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

"I try to bring my style, my character, my personality and my strengths to achieve our target, which is the most important part now."

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

“But then Tracy came up with this idea: What if Malcolm had a daughter who was completely like him, the same personality and impulsiveness? That would suck,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Next is a contemporary analysis of how the negotiation was doomed because Spalding sent Anson, a prickly personality, to do the talking.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

She has no distinct personality and she plays no part in the myths.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Related Words

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