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

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 Canadians are taking it personally that their integrity is coming under attack in front of a global audience at the Olympics, which touts the values of respect and friendship. —Julia Frankel, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026

Even then, the case is decided by a judge, not a jury, damages tend to be limited, and the individual officers involved cannot be sued personally. —Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 15 Feb. 2026

My family personally and my business professionally were forced into bankruptcy and are thankful to be on the other side of it. —Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026

Keith Caneiro discovered that his brother was stealing money from their businesses and from him personally. —Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 13 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