personality

Personality is the combination of qualities and characteristics of a person.

(noun)

An example of personality is charismatic.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See personality in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. personalities

  1. the quality or fact of being a person
  2. the quality or fact of being a particular person; personal identity; individuality
    1. habitual patterns and qualities of behavior of any individual as expressed by physical and mental activities and attitudes; distinctive individual qualities of a person, considered collectively
    2. the complex of qualities and characteristics seen as being distinctive to a group, nation, place, etc.
    1. the sum of such qualities seen as being capable of making, or likely to make, a favorable impression on other people
    2. Informal personal attractiveness; engaging manner or qualities
  3. a person; specif.,
    1. a notable person; personage
    2. a person known for appearances on TV, radio, etc.
  4. remarks, usually of an offensive or disparaging nature, aimed at or referring to a person

Origin: ME personalite < LL personalitas < personalis, personal

See personality in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. per·son·al·i·ties
  1. The quality or condition of being a person.
  2. The totality of qualities and traits, as of character or behavior, that are peculiar to a specific person.
  3. The pattern of collective character, behavioral, temperamental, emotional, and mental traits of a person: Though their personalities differed, they got along as friends.
  4. Distinctive qualities of a person, especially those distinguishing personal characteristics that make one socially appealing: won the election more on personality than on capability. See Synonyms at disposition.
  5. a. A person as the embodiment of distinctive traits of mind and behavior.
    b. A person of prominence or notoriety: television personalities.
  6. An offensively personal remark. Often used in the plural: Let's not engage in personalities.
  7. The distinctive characteristics of a place or situation: furnishings that give a room personality.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English personalite

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Late Latin persōnālitās

Origin: , from Latin persōnālis, personal

Origin: , from persōna, person; see person

.

Learn more about personality

Related Articles

link/cite print suggestion box