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

The name change was referred to several times by the personalities who appeared on stage.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Loti AI will constantly monitor for AI impersonations of 20 personalities represented by CMG, including Burt Reynolds, Christopher Reeve, Mark Twain and Rosa Parks.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It is that, for all the force of his personality, he hasn’t mastered the art of politics.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In only a few years, Sarel's unfiltered style has turned her from an ordinary voice online into one of TikTok's most distinctive personalities, with more than one million followers on the platform.

Read more on BBC

The prosecutor told a panel of three judges and six jurors: "Make no mistake no drug treatment can fundamentally transform Ms Benkired's personality. When there is no illness, there is no treatment."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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