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

Back in Dallas, owner Jerry Jones called Pickens personally to notify him of the same news. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Mar. 2026

For Raya, winning the championship at El Dorado was personally special. —Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 28 Feb. 2026

But personally the South Shore line is going to have to thank the people in this room. —David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026

To find his leading lady, Preminger embarked on a nationwide search and personally auditioned thousands of would-be Joans before landing on Jean Seberg, an 18-year old from Iowa whose acting experience was limited to high school plays. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 27 Feb. 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