personally

American  

[pur-suh-nl-ee] / ˈpɜr sə nl i /

adverb

1. through direct contact; in person; directly.

   I will thank him personally.

2. as if intended for or directed at one's own person.

   to take someone's comments personally.

3. as regards oneself.

   Personally, I don't care to go.

4. as an individual.

   to like someone personally, but not as an employer.

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personally British  

/ ˈpɜːsənəlɪ /

adverb

1. without the help or intervention of others

   I'll attend to it personally

2. (sentence modifier) in one's own opinion or as regards oneself

   personally, I hate onions

3. as if referring to oneself

   to take the insults personally

4. as a person

   we like him personally, but professionally he's incompetent

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Etymology

Origin of personally

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; personal + -ly

Example Sentences

A week later, the new wife told everyone she would share the wealth, including me personally.

From MarketWatch

"The strength and dignity these families have shown, while carrying unimaginable grief shows extraordinary courage. I am personally committed to ensuring this inquiry is thorough, independent, and puts families at its heart."

From BBC

The former senior Whitehall official blames the deference he personally saw being shown to the then Prince Andrew by very senior civil servants and their reluctance to challenge him.

From BBC

“And what people didn’t get to experience personally was, she is—she was, I’m still saying ‘is’—she’s possibly the nicest person I’ve ever met.”

From Salon

Morag says she personally finds it beneficial to be in nature.

From BBC

Related Words

• directly
• individually
• privately