# personality

/ˌpɝsəˈnæɫɪti/ (US) · /pˌɜːsənˈælɪti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/personality
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. character traits

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

- She has a very outgoing personality and makes friends easily.
- Psychologists often debate whether personality is primarily shaped by genetic factors or by the environment in which a child is raised.

### 2. charisma

noun · CEFR B1

a strong or interesting character that makes someone stand out.

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

- The new teacher has a lot of personality and keeps the students interested.
- While he lacked technical expertise, his sheer force of personality allowed him to lead the team through the crisis successfully.

### 3. a famous person

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The local TV personality hosted the charity event last night.
- The gala was attended by several media personalities and former athletes who were keen to support the foundation's goals.

### 4. distinctive character of a place

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

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

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Formal

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

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

- The court had to decide if the organisation had a separate legal personality.
- The doctrine of corporate personality ensures that a company is treated as a distinct legal entity from its shareholders and directors.

## Examples

- She has a very friendly and outgoing personality.
- The job requires someone with a strong personality who can handle difficult customers without getting upset.
- Although identical twins share the same genetic makeup, they often develop distinct personalities shaped by their unique social interactions and individual life experiences.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.