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

French President Emmanuel Macron personally called Wang to congratulate her on her win. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 24 July 2026

Trump has personally assailed justices who rule against him in stark terms. — Gene Johnson, Fortune, 24 July 2026

Garcia’s conviction included an enhancement for fleeing after committing a gross vehicular manslaughter and personally using a deadly weapon in the commission of the offense. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026

Eventually, Armstrong stepped in to try and personally ease tensions, offering himself as Caneer’s direct point of contact and paying a peace visit to Caneer’s home in Pebble Beach bearing a gift basket of beef jerky, olive oil and wine. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 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