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

Nothing yet holds the people at the top personally legally accountable. — Giorgos Tsetis, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026

Now, correspondent Anthony Mason reports on the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York's landmark show that rewrites the story of Krasner and Pollock, two artists whose work and legacy were – aesthetically and personally – bound together. — David Morgan, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Some speculated that Mikhelson was personally unhappy with a monumental Urs Fischer sculpture sited outside the museum. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Damian did not resolve whether Robinson was personally liable for his role in removing Jackson. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 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