personality

noun

per·son·al·i·ty | \ ˌpər-sə-ˈna-lə-tē

, ˌpər-ˈsna-\

plural personalities

Definition of personality

1a : the quality or state of being a person

b : personal existence

2a : the condition or fact of relating to a particular person specifically : the condition of referring directly to or being aimed disparagingly or hostilely at an individual

b : an offensively personal remark angrily resorted to personalities

3a : the complex of characteristics that distinguishes an individual or a nation or group especially : the totality of an individual's behavioral and emotional characteristics

b : a set of distinctive traits and characteristics the energetic personality of the city

4a : distinction or excellence of personal and social traits also : a person having such quality

b : a person of importance, prominence, renown, or notoriety a TV personality

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about personality

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Choose the Right Synonym for personality

disposition, temperament, temper, character, personality mean the dominant quality or qualities distinguishing a person or group. disposition implies customary moods and attitude toward the life around one. a cheerful disposition temperament implies a pattern of innate characteristics associated with one's specific physical and nervous organization. an artistic temperament temper implies the qualities acquired through experience that determine how a person or group meets difficulties or handles situations. a resilient temper character applies to the aggregate of moral qualities by which a person is judged apart from intelligence, competence, or special talents. strength of character personality applies to an aggregate of qualities that distinguish one as a person. a somber personality

Examples of personality in a Sentence

He has a very pleasant personality. We all have different personalities. The psychiatrist considered behavior as well as personality before prescribing a treatment. He has lots of personality. He wants to buy a car that has personality. She has met many television personalities. He was an influential personality in genetic engineering.

Recent Examples on the Web

In early May, the company banned conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, as well as other far-right media personalities, including former Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopoulos. — Margaret Newkirk, Fortune, "'This Is Censorship': Pinterest Is Latest Tech Company Dragged Into Culture Wars," 13 June 2019 Researchers in Sweden surveyed the owners of 58 Shetland sheepdogs and border collies about their personality traits and those of their dogs. — Mandy Oaklander, Time, "Why Being Neurotic Might Be Good for Your Dog," 12 June 2019 With a large group of candidates, all with broadly similar messages, struggling to break out of the single digits, Biden’s personality-driven, conservative approach appears to differentiate his brand. — Alex Shephard, The New Republic, "Democrats Are Winning the Battle of Ideas, But Could Still Lose the War," 10 June 2019 Additionally, owners were asked to fill out surveys about their own personality traits and also answered questions about their dogs’ behaviors. — Maria Pasquini, PEOPLE.com, "Dogs Can Pick up on Their Owner’s Stress Levels and Feel Anxious Too: Study," 10 June 2019 The year-old troupe’s circus skills range from adept to masterful, but their personalities and sweet chemistry make the show a winner. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: Pared-down San Diego International Fringe Festival reveals some early gems," 9 June 2019 The Late Late Show personality — who won a Tony in 2012 for his performance in One Man, Two Guvnors — previously emceed Broadway's annual awards ceremony in 2016. — Evan Real, The Hollywood Reporter, "Hollywood Reporter's Guide to the 2019 Tony Awards," 7 June 2019 The owners filled out questionnaires regarding their own personality traits and mental health as well as those of their pets. — Carrie Arnold, National Geographic, "If you’re chronically stressed, your dog could be too," 6 June 2019 Tell us a little bit more about that and what that taught you about his personality and how that was important at the time. — Andrea Bernstein, ProPublica, "“Trump, Inc.” and Former FBI Deputy Chief Andrew McCabe Compare Notes," 29 May 2019

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