personal equation

noun

: variation (as in observation) occasioned by the personal peculiarities of an individual
also : a correction or allowance made for such variation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Iniye Tokyo James was a mathematician turned stylist before adding his label Tokyo James to that personal equation. Luke Leitch, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2022 Survival and success reside on one side of your personal equation — healing is on the other. Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 12 Dec. 2019 Survival and success reside on one side of your personal equation -- healing is on the other. Amy Dickinson, oregonlive, 12 Dec. 2019 Survival and success reside on one side of your personal equation — healing is on the other. Amy Dickinson, The Denver Post, 12 Dec. 2019 Survival and success reside on one side of your personal equation -- healing is on the other. Amy Dickinson, chicagotribune.com, 12 Dec. 2019 Survival and success reside on one side of your personal equation – healing is on the other. Amy Dickinson, Detroit Free Press, 12 Dec. 2019 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'personal equation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of personal equation was in 1845

Dictionary Entries Near personal equation

Cite this Entry

“Personal equation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/personal%20equation. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

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