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

During NewTree's early pilot, O'Connor is personally reviewing and approving hosts before their events can appear publicly. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

This is after Chinetti had personally persuaded Enzo Ferrari to build a successor to the legendary 250 California Spider for the stateside market. — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2026

The film also stars Topher Grace, Anna Kendrick, and Adam Driver in the story of a struggling Emmy-winning actress (played by Rosalind Eleazar) attempting a professional comeback during what’s also been a tough time for her personally. — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Sep. 2026

In her speech, Parton not only accepts the award but explains why Americana and bluegrass music have meant so much to her, both in her career and just personally. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Sep. 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