personal
personal
Pronunciation
/ˈpɜːrsənəl/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
per-: /pɜːr/
son-: /sən/
al: /əl/
Word Form Variations
Adjective: personal (describing something belonging to or relating to a particular person, or one's private life)
Example: "That's my personal opinion."
Example: "She shared some personal information."
Noun:
personals (plural noun, referring to classified advertisements, especially in newspapers, through which individuals try to meet others with similar interests, or sometimes as a slang term for personal belongings or a bathroom/toilet)
Example: "He placed an ad in the personals."
the personal (used to refer to an individual's private life or subjective experience, often in contrast to the public or objective)
Example: "The film delves into the personal lives of the characters."
personnel (noun, referring to the people employed by an organization or business, or the department that deals with employees)
Example: "The company's personnel department handles all hiring."
Verb:
personalize (to make something personal or individual; to mark with someone's name or initials)
Example: "You can personalize your phone case."
Past tense/Past participle: personalized
Present participle: personalizing
Adverb:
personally (in a personal way; by oneself; regarding one's own opinion)
Example: "I'll deliver the message personally."
Example: "Personally, I think it's a good idea."
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective
Definition 1: Belonging to or concerning a particular individual rather than anyone else; private and intimate.
Synonyms: private, individual, exclusive, intimate, confidential, subjective
Antonyms: public, general, universal, shared, common, impersonal
Definition 2: Done, made, or carried out by an individual themselves, not by a representative or through a third party.
Synonyms: direct, firsthand, unmediated, immediate, hands-on, face-to-face
Antonyms: indirect, mediated, representative, delegated, impersonal
Definition 3: Related to or affecting one's body, appearance, or health.
Synonyms: bodily, physical, corporeal, individual (as in hygiene)
Antonyms: collective, public (in contexts like public health)
Definition 4: Directed at or referring to a specific person, often in an offensive or critical way.
Synonyms: offensive, insulting, disparaging, derogatory, pointed, ad hominem
Antonyms: objective, general, impersonal, professional, impartial
Noun
Definition 1 (the personal): The realm of an individual's private life, feelings, and experiences, often contrasted with the public or professional sphere.
Synonyms: privacy, intimacy, individuality, inner self, private life
Antonyms: the public, the collective, the professional, the objective
Definition 2 (personals - plural): A section in a newspaper, magazine, or online where individuals place advertisements, especially to seek romantic partners, friends, or to announce events.
Synonyms: classifieds, dating ads, lonely hearts (informal, dated), introductions
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for this specific type of classified section)
Definition 3 (a personal - informal, less common): A personal item or belonging. (Often used in a slightly jocular or informal context, e.g., "Grab your personals before we leave.")
Synonyms: belongings, effects, possessions, items
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; refers to ownership)
Verb
(The root word "personal" itself is not a verb. The verb form is "personalize".)
Personalize (Verb): To make something distinctively for or characteristic of a particular person; to mark or alter something to reflect an individual's identity or preferences.
Synonyms: customize, individualize, tailor, bespoke, mark, stamp
Antonyms: generalize, standardize, depersonalize, impersonalize
Adverb
(The root word "personal" itself is not an adverb. The adverb form is "personally".)
Personally (Adverb): Definition 1: In a personal capacity; by oneself rather than through someone else.
Synonyms: directly, in person, firsthand, individually, without intermediary
Antonyms: indirectly, through an agent, impersonally, generally
Definition 2: From one's own viewpoint or opinion; speaking for oneself.
Synonyms: in my opinion, for my part, subjectively, privately
Antonyms: objectively, generally, impartially, officially
Examples of Use
Newspapers/Online Publications:
"The tech giant faced scrutiny over its handling of users' personal data, leading to a significant fine." (The Guardian)
"A new study explores the personal toll of long-term caregiving on family members." (New York Times)
"The op-ed shared a powerful personal account of overcoming adversity." (Washington Post)
"Seeking a fresh start? Check out the local paper's personals section for community connections." (Local Community Herald)
"The company announced a new policy regarding employee personnel files, emphasizing security." (Forbes)
Books:
"He recounted his journey, emphasizing the profound personal growth he experienced along the way." (From a memoir)
"The detective tried to remain objective, but the victim's story struck a deeply personal chord." (From a crime novel)
"The author delves into the intricate relationship between the political and the personal, arguing that one often shapes the other." (From a non-fiction book on social theory)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Television Series/Film: "This season, the show really delves into the characters' personal lives, revealing their vulnerabilities." (Review of a TV drama)
Music: "The songwriter's new album is a collection of deeply personal ballads, exploring themes of loss and resilience." (Music critic review)
Video Games: "Players can personalize their avatars with a wide range of outfits and accessories." (Game review)
Podcasts: "In today's episode, we're joined by a guest who shares their personal experience with mental health challenges." (Podcast episode description)
General Public Discourse:
"I prefer to keep my financial details strictly personal." (Overheard conversation)
"He took my constructive criticism too personally." (Friend commenting on a disagreement)
"The CEO personally apologized for the service disruption." (Company announcement)
"For me, it's a personal mission to help others achieve their goals." (Statement during a community meeting)
"She told me, personally, that she preferred the old system." (Colleague discussing preferences)
10 Quotes Using Personal
"The most personal is the most universal." (Carl Rogers)
"All progress is initiated by personal responsibility." (Unknown, often attributed to Robert G. Allen or others)
"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions." (Dalai Lama, often paraphrased to include "personal action")
"Success is a personal standard, reaching for the highest that is in us, becoming all that we can be." (Zig Ziglar)
"A library is a personal thing." (Walter Mosley)
"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." (Maya Angelou, often paraphrased in discussions about sharing personal experiences)
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." (Martin Luther King Jr., often linked to taking personal stands)
"My personal hobbies are reading, listening to music, and silence." (Edith Sitwell)
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." (Lao Tzu, sometimes interpreted in terms of personal journey)
"The unexamined life is not worth living." (Socrates, implying a focus on personal reflection)
Etymology
The word "personal" comes from the Latin word "personalis," which means "of or pertaining to a person."
This Latin word, in turn, comes from "persona," a very old Latin word with an interesting journey. Originally, "persona" referred to a mask worn by actors in ancient Roman theater. These masks weren't just for disguise; they also had a mouthpiece that helped project the actor's voice, so "persona" also came to mean the character an actor played.
Over time, "persona" evolved to mean a human being or an individual.
So, when "personalis" (and later "personal" in English) came into use, its core meaning was directly linked to this idea of an individual or a human being.
The first known use of "personal" in English dates back to the late 14th century. At that time, its main meaning was "relating to an individual, private, or particular to a specific person." This is very similar to how we use it today. For example, people would talk about "personal" possessions or a "personal" opinion, meaning it belonged to or came from one specific person.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Personal
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "personal":
Personal touch: Adding a unique or individualized element to something.
Take it personally: To be offended or upset by something that was not necessarily intended to be offensive.
Personal space: The physical distance individuals maintain between themselves and others to feel comfortable.
Personal belongings: Items that belong to a specific individual.
Personal best: An individual's best performance or achievement in a particular activity.
Personal vendetta: A prolonged and bitter quarrel or dispute with a particular person.
Personal hygiene: Practices that help maintain health and cleanliness of the body.
Personal attack: An insult or criticism directed at someone's character rather than their arguments.
Personal favorite: Something that an individual likes more than others.
Personal trainer: A professional who guides and motivates individuals through fitness routines.
Personal journey: An individual's unique path of growth, discovery, or experience.
Make it personal: To turn a general discussion or issue into one that targets an individual.
A personal matter: A private affair or issue concerning an individual.
Personal opinion: A belief or judgment that is particular to an individual.
On a personal note: Used to transition to a more private or individual remark.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of personal from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
