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

The rooms No two of the 93 rooms are alike—each one embodies a kind of nomadic eclecticism envisioned by Franco-Mexican artist-architect Hugo Toro, who personally designed every piece of furniture. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

Torre reported the deal came about seven months after Ballmer personally invested $50 million in Aspiration, in September 2021, and the Clippers announced their $300 million sponsorship deal. —Janis Carr, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026

What do recognitions like these mean to you personally? —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026

The internet’s onetime lovably messy provocateur has indeed turned over a new leaf, personally and professionally, and entered her Brand Safe era. —Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 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