What does "personality" mean?

1. (character traits) the set of qualities that make a person's character unique. 2. (charisma) a strong or interesting character that makes someone stand out. 3. (a famous person) a well-known person, especially someone famous from TV, radio, or social media. 4. (distinctive character of a place) the special qualities that make a place or thing interesting and different. 5. (legal status) the status of being a person in the eyes of the law.

personality

US //ˌpɝsəˈnæɫɪti// UK //pˌɜːsənˈælɪti// per·son·al·i·ty

1 character traits (n.)
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.

Example

She has a very outgoing personality and makes friends easily.

Example

Psychologists often debate whether personality is primarily shaped by genetic factors or by the environment in which a child is raised.
2 charisma (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a strong or interesting character that makes someone stand out.

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

Example

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

Example

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

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3 a famous person (n.)
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.

Example

The local TV personality hosted the charity event last night.

Example

The gala was attended by several media personalities and former athletes who were keen to support the foundation's goals.
- celebrity
- star
- notability
4 distinctive character of a place (n.)
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.

Example

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

Example

The architect aimed to design a building that had its own personality rather than just being another glass-and-steel office block.
5 legal status (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Formal 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.

Example

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

Example

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

Origin

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