personal

/'pə:snl/
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personal

I have something personal to tell you.

Definition
  1. Adjective:

    • Relating to or affecting a particular person: "personal" describes something belonging to, concerning, or affecting a specific individual, rather than a group or the public.
    • Done or made by a particular person: It indicates something performed, used, or intended for a specific individual.
    • Referring to a person's private life: "personal" can describe matters that are private or intimate.
    • Relating to a person's body or physical presence: It pertains to aspects concerning one's physical being or appearance.
    • Existing as a person: In a philosophical or theological context, it can describe a deity or entity having the qualities of a person.
  2. Noun:

    • A short news item: In journalism, a "personal" is a brief article or advertisement about a particular person or small group, often found in newspapers.
Usage Examples
  • Adjective:

    • That is my personal belief. (That belief belongs specifically to me.)
    • Please keep your personal belongings with you. (These are items belonging to you as an individual.)
    • She asked me a very personal question. (The question concerned my private life.)
    • Good personal hygiene is important. (This relates to the care of one's own body.)
    • Many believe in a personal God. (A God conceived of as having a personal nature.)
  • Noun:

    • I saw his announcement in the personals section of the paper. (I read his short notice in the newspaper's classified ads for individuals.)
Advanced Usage
  • "To take something personally": To interpret a remark or action as a direct insult or criticism aimed at oneself.

    • He criticized the team's work, but she took it personally. (She felt the criticism was directed at her as an individual.)
  • "Personal best": An individual's highest achievement or best performance in a particular activity to date.

    • The runner set a new personal best in the marathon. (She achieved her fastest time ever in that race.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Personally (adverb): In a personal manner; from one's own viewpoint.

    • I will deliver the message personally. (I will do it myself, in person.)
    • Personally, I think it's a good idea. (This is my own individual opinion.)
  • Personality (noun): The combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's distinctive character.

  • Personalize (verb): To design or tailor something to meet an individual's personal requirements or preferences.
    • You can personalize the cover of the notebook. (You can add your name or design to make it your own.)
Synonyms
  • Individual: Of or for a particular person.
  • Private: Belonging to or for the use of one particular person or group only.
  • Intimate: Private and personal, often involving close familiarity.
Related Phrases
  • Personal space: The physical space immediately surrounding someone, into which encroachment can feel threatening or uncomfortable.
  • Personal computer (PC): A computer designed for use by one person at a time.
  • Personal assistant: A secretary or administrative assistant working for one particular person.
Idioms
  • Nothing personal: A phrase used to indicate that a critical remark or action is not intended as an attack on someone's character.

    • It's nothing personal; it's just business. (My decision is based on objective factors, not on my feelings about you.)
  • A personal touch: A detail that makes something feel more individual and thoughtfully prepared.

    • The handwritten note added a personal touch to the gift. (It made the gift feel more special and direct from the giver.)
personal

I have something personal to tell you.

Adjective
  1. indicating grammatical person
    • personal verb endings
  2. intimately concerning a person's body or physical being
    • personal hygiene
  3. of or arising from personality
    • personal magnetism
  4. particular to a given individual
  5. concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality
    • a personal favor
    • for your personal use
    • personal papers
    • I have something personal to tell you
    • a personal God
    • he has his personal bank account and she has hers
Noun
  1. a short newspaper article about a particular person or group