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.
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
It was pointed out by many that Auriemma did not name Staley personally in the apology.
—
Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026
But Kiraly is not convinced the president’s budget proposal would lend enough support — even for the projects that Isaacman has personally bolstered.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
Campa-Najjar had raised $809,000 and Riker $804,000, though Riker also personally loaned his campaign an additional $716,000, campaign disclosures show.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Hegseth has all but wiped women out of the top ranks of the military — just recently personally knocking two women off a promotions list.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for personally
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Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026
But Kiraly is not convinced the president’s budget proposal would lend enough support — even for the projects that Isaacman has personally bolstered.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
Campa-Najjar had raised $809,000 and Riker $804,000, though Riker also personally loaned his campaign an additional $716,000, campaign disclosures show.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Hegseth has all but wiped women out of the top ranks of the military — just recently personally knocking two women off a promotions list.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for personally
Cite this Entry
“Personally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/personally. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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