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

In the cafe's early days, Yeung spent most of her waking hours at the shop, often working 12-hour days and personally whisking every drink. —Mike Winters mickey Todiwala, CNBC, 4 June 2026

As part of Hyatt’s luxury portfolio, Miraval Resorts and Spas occupies a unique position, with an emphasis that goes beyond an elevated travel experience to become a personally transformative one. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 3 June 2026

Kim was particularly frustrated with Lydia’s decision to express her emotions about the tragedy online, rather than share her concerns with her personally. —Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026

Please complete the form below, and an AC Cars Concierge representative will personally contact you to discuss brand fit, availability, and allocation opportunities. —New Atlas, 3 June 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