personally
PUR-suh-nuh-lee
Personally (adverb) means used to show that something is one's own private opinion or feeling. Example: “Personally, I think the movie was overrated.”
adverb
1
Used to show that something is one's own private opinion or feeling.
"Personally, I think the movie was overrated."
"I don't like spicy food, personally, but my friends love it."
"Personally, I would rather walk than wait for the bus."
2
In person, rather than through someone else.
"The manager personally handled the complaint."
"The head teacher personally welcomed every new family at the gate."
"I will deliver the parcel personally so it doesn't get lost."
3
In a way that is directed at, or affects, oneself specifically.
"Try not to take his comments personally — he's like that with everyone."
"Please don't take the delay personally; the whole team is very busy."
"He felt personally insulted when they forgot to invite him."
How to use personally
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIn one's own opinion, or done in person, or affecting oneself specifically.
Common pairings
take it personally
personally responsible
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more personally
- Superlative
- most personally
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____, I think the movie was overrated.
Etymology
Came from Middle English personally, personely, personallich, personaliche, equivalent to personal plus -ly.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
impersonally
Related words
Rhymes for personally
See all rhymes for personally →Frequently asked questions
What does “personally” mean?
The word “personally” means used to show that something is one's own private opinion or feeling. In plain terms, in one's own opinion, or done in person, or affecting oneself specifically.
How do you pronounce “personally”?
“Personally” is pronounced PUR-suh-nuh-lee (/ˈpɝ.sə.nə.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “personally” in a sentence?
Here is “personally” used in a sentence: “Personally, I think the movie was overrated.”
What part of speech is “personally”?
“Personally” is an adverb.
Is “personally” a common word?
“Personally” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “personally” have?
“Personally” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: used to show that something is one's own private opinion or feeling.
What is an example of 'personally' in a sentence?
'Personally, I think the plan needs more work.' Here 'personally' flags that what follows is the speaker's own view, not a fact or a shared position. It is often placed at the start of a sentence to soften an opinion and signal that others may disagree.
What is the difference between 'personally' and 'in my opinion'?
Both signal a private view and often swap freely. 'In my opinion' states plainly that a judgement is being offered. 'Personally' adds a slightly more emphatic, individual note — this is my own feeling — and can also mean 'in person', as in 'I handled it personally', which 'in my opinion' cannot.
Does 'personally' only mean giving an opinion?
No. It has a second common sense: doing something in person or directly, as in 'she thanked each guest personally.' It can also mean 'as an individual', as in 'don't take it personally.' Context shows whether it marks an opinion or an action done directly.
Is it correct to start a sentence with 'personally'?
Yes. Beginning with 'Personally,' followed by a comma is a natural and accepted way to flag that a personal opinion is coming. It is common in both speech and writing, though in very formal contexts some writers prefer to state the view directly without it.
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