personal — meaning in English: personal

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for personal

personal

build

trouble

space

lose

Skip this question

🎓

Learn English for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 'personal' in contexts that involve individual experiences or private matters. For example, someone might say, 'I prefer to keep this matter personal' when discussing a sensitive topic or 'This is a personal achievement' when reflecting on their accomplishments in a job interview.

Synonyms & nuances

'Personal' often implies an emotional connection or private aspect, which can be subtle compared to synonyms like 'individual' or 'private'. While 'individual' emphasizes uniqueness and 'private' stresses secrecy, 'personal' conveys a sense of ownership or intimacy.

Culture

The word 'personal' comes from the Latin 'personalis', meaning 'of a person'. It reflects the growing emphasis on individuality and personal rights that has evolved over centuries, particularly in Western cultures. This concept has influenced everything from legal definitions of rights to the way people express their identities in social media today.

FAQ

Q.What does 'personal' mean?

'Personal' refers to anything related to an individual or their private life. It highlights aspects that are unique to someone, often involving emotions or experiences that are not shared with others.

Q.How do you use 'personal' in a sentence?

You can use 'personal' to describe experiences, belongings, or opinions that relate directly to an individual, such as 'I value my personal space' or 'She shared a personal story during the meeting.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 'personal'?

A common mistake is confusing 'personal' with 'personnel'. While 'personal' relates to individuals, 'personnel' refers to the staff or employees of an organization. Make sure to use them in the right context!

Learn english with Maspeak →

English 1000