personally

adverb

per·​son·​al·​ly ˈpərs-nə-lē 

ˈpər-sə-nə-

1

: in person

attend to the matter personally

2

: as a person : in personality

personally attractive but not very trustworthy

3

: for oneself : as far as oneself is concerned

personally, I don't want to go

4

: in a personal manner

don't take this personally

5

: in a way that involves someone's personal life

I don't know her personally. [=I have never met her]

often, specifically : in a way that involves someone's personal life as opposed to someone's work or job

I know her both personally and professionally.

Synonyms of personally

• immediately
• secretly
• in secret
• in private

Examples of personally in a Sentence

You will be held personally responsible for any losses or damages.

The player was personally criticized by his coach.

He blamed me personally for causing the problem.

I was personally offended by the article.

Recent Examples on the Web

Burks personally prosecuted five capital murder death penalty cases during her time at the district attorney’s office. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026

Noel personally drove him to the train station, gave him a fresh sausage roll, and sent him on his way. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026

The elder Ellison also personally guaranteed more than $40 billion of equity financing in Paramount's offer to take over WBD. — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026

State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart and senior prosecutors met with Love’s family Thursday to personally deliver the decision before revealing it publicly. — Russell Lissau, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing personally

• take it personally

Rhymes for personally

• impersonally

Kids Definition

personally

adverb

per·​son·​al·​ly ˈpərs-nə-lē 

-ᵊn-ə-

1

: in person

attend to the matter personally

2

: as a person : in personality

personally attractive

3

: for oneself : as far as oneself is concerned

personally, I am against it