English Reference
noun

personality

n.
US /ˌpɝsəˈnæɫɪti/ UK /pˌɜːsənˈælɪti/ per·son·al·i·ty UK spelling personalities, personality's

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    the set of qualities that make a person's character unique.

    the combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's distinctive character.

    Simple

    She has a very outgoing personality and makes friends easily.

    In context

    Psychologists often debate whether personality is primarily shaped by genetic factors or by the environment in which a child is raised.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    a strong or interesting character that makes someone stand out.

    the quality of being attractive or interesting; personal magnetism or charisma.

    Simple

    The new teacher has a lot of personality and keeps the students interested.

    In context

    While he lacked technical expertise, his sheer force of personality allowed him to lead the team through the crisis successfully.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    a well-known person, especially someone famous from TV, radio, or social media.

    a celebrity or famous person, particularly one with a prominent media presence.

    Simple

    The local TV personality hosted the charity event last night.

    In context

    The gala was attended by several media personalities and former athletes who were keen to support the foundation's goals.

    celebritystarnotability
  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the special qualities that make a place or thing interesting and different.

    the set of qualities that make an inanimate object or abstract entity distinctive or appealing.

    Simple

    The old wooden furniture gives the room a lot of personality.

    In context

    The architect aimed to design a building that had its own personality rather than just being another glass-and-steel office block.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced TechnicalFormal Law

    the status of being a person in the eyes of the law.

    the quality or state of being a person in law, which includes the capacity to have rights and duties.

    Simple

    The court had to decide if the organisation had a separate legal personality.

    In context

    The doctrine of corporate personality ensures that a company is treated as a distinct legal entity from its shareholders and directors.

Usage personality traits · personality inventory · personality trait


From Middle English personalite, from Middle French [Term?], from Latin persōnālitās. First attested in the late 14th century. By surface analysis, personal + -ity.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin persōnālitās
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated