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

Choose someone who matches your goals and connects with you personally, as that’s what drives real growth. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

In one ⁠instance, the suspect is accused ​of personally taking part in the killing by stabbing a victim in the chest with a knife, the prosecutors said. — Reuters, NBC news, 1 July 2026

Witherspoon even personally delivered the exciting news to Minetree after a four-month audition process. — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026

Beccari has personally called on Massimo Osanna, the head of national museums at Italy’s culture ministry, to ensure the location is ready on time. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 3 July 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