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.
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
Similarly, instead of sounding the alarms in front of the cameras amidst nationwide ICE blowback, Lamont pressed the president directly and personally behind closed doors, securing a commitment that agents wouldn’t be sent where they weren’t requested.
—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026
The plea agreement also states Kimball personally used a small amount of the money for herself, mainly toward mortgage payments or gifts to family members.
—Logan Smith, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
Michel, who retired more than 15 years ago, personally favors a retirement age for judges, like many other professions.
—Carrie Johnson, NPR, 29 Mar. 2026
It’s defined by preparation, priorities and confidence that the next chapter will be both financially secure and personally meaningful.
—Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for personally
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Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026
The plea agreement also states Kimball personally used a small amount of the money for herself, mainly toward mortgage payments or gifts to family members.
—Logan Smith, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
Michel, who retired more than 15 years ago, personally favors a retirement age for judges, like many other professions.
—Carrie Johnson, NPR, 29 Mar. 2026
It’s defined by preparation, priorities and confidence that the next chapter will be both financially secure and personally meaningful.
—Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for personally
Cite this Entry
“Personally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/personally. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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