personality

[pur-suh-nal-i-tee]

noun

plural

personalities 

1. the visible aspect of one's character as it impresses others.

   He has a pleasing personality.

2. a person as an embodiment of a collection of qualities.

   He is a curious personality.

3. Psychology.

   1. the sum total of the physical, mental, emotional, and social characteristics of an individual.

   2. the organized pattern of behavioral characteristics of the individual.

4. the quality of being a person; existence as a self-conscious human being; personal identity.

5. the essential character of a person.

6. something apprehended as reflective of or analogous to a distinctive human personality, as the atmosphere of a place or thing.

   This house has a warm personality.

7. a famous, notable, or prominent person; celebrity.

8. application or reference to a particular person or particular persons, often in disparagement or hostility.

9. a disparaging or offensive statement referring to a particular person.

   The political debate deteriorated into personalities.

personality

/ ˌpɜːsəˈnælɪtɪ /

noun

1. psychol the sum total of all the behavioural and mental characteristics by means of which an individual is recognized as being unique

2. the distinctive character of a person that makes him socially attractive

   a salesman needs a lot of personality

3. a well-known person in a certain field, such as sport or entertainment

4. a remarkable person

   the old fellow is a real personality

5. the quality of being a unique person

6. the distinctive atmosphere of a place or situation

7. (often plural) a personal remark

personality

1. The pattern of feelings, thoughts, and activities that distinguishes one person from another.

Word History and Origins

Origin of personality¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English personalite, from Middle French, from Late Latin persōnālitās, from Latin persōnāl(is) personal + -itās -ity

Synonym Study

See character.

Example Sentences

Even when he was young, relatives were struck by his exuberant personality.

From Los Angeles Times

Nevertheless, his personality arc is somewhat constructed on problematic architecture.

From Salon

"He's only 16 but already plays with confidence and personality and is unafraid of the occasion," said Jimenez, a legendary figure for Mexico himself.

From BBC

“He has an ability to build relationships across a melting pot of personalities,” Herbert said.

From Los Angeles Times

Others debated why the show had lost its spark: too many inane games, over-edited drama, and a focus on contestant personalities instead of actual cooking.

From Salon

Related Words

• charisma 
• charm 
• identity 
• makeup 
• nature 
• psyche 
• self 
• temper 
• temperament