personality

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "personality" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it to describe an individual's unique character traits, either in a positive or negative way. For example: "Her bubbly personality made her a star of the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We put this front on of being a normal person but in our shows we're closer to our actual personality".

The Guardian

After independence in 1991, President Saparmurat Niyazov built a cult of personality, adopting the title Turkmenbashi – the father of all Turkmen.

The Guardian

While he has dismantled Niyazov's personality cult, he has maintained an authoritarian leadership style and has adopted the honorific title of arkadag – protector.

The Guardian

"Mr Summers still isn't winning any personality contests," the Wall Street Journal wryly noted, as Summers fortunes rose.

The Guardian - Opinion

But if that primitive resonance is not achieved, storytellers are failing to fulfil what is perhaps their primary function, which is therapeutic – to act as an echo chamber to our deepest fears and desires, and thus help to integrate them into a healthy personality.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The rest of the team helped, but he was the Black Caviar who got us here, but the point is that in terms of thinking about the future it's not a change of personality; it is what does that bring; how does that improve our situation.

The Guardian

Critics may worry that she is too tribally Labour and that her media performances are too wooden at a time when politicians are under pressure to show a bit more personality, reach out to a broader audience and show a willingness to say what they really think.

The Guardian

True to their style, one that has made them arguably the most enjoyable team to watch in Spain this season, the team that went on a 28-game run of scoring in every match, Villarreal showed personality as well as precision and pace.

The Guardian - Sport

"Great credit to him for the way that he's come into the football club and shown great character, personality and humility.

The Guardian - Sport

That's what ties are for: shocks of colour and personality in otherwise conservative outfits.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We are not like other nations who tolerate insult to their holy personality".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "personality" to describe not just people, but also the qualities of a place or even a brand, e.g. 'The restaurant has a lively personality'.

Common error

Avoid using "personality" to describe fleeting emotions or moods. "Personality" refers to enduring traits, not momentary states. Instead of saying, 'He showed a grumpy personality today', consider 'He was in a grumpy mood today'.

Linguistic Context

The noun "personality" functions primarily to denote the unique set of qualities that define an individual, distinguishing them from others. As shown by Ludwig, this term is widely used to describe the characteristics of people, places, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Lifestyle

25%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "personality" is a very common and grammatically correct noun used to describe the unique set of qualities that make a person or thing distinct. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, lifestyle, and sports. When using "personality", ensure you provide specific examples to enrich your description and avoid confusing enduring traits with temporary moods. Alternatives like "character traits" or "personal attributes" can add nuance depending on your specific intent. Understanding the function, purpose, and register of "personality" allows for more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unique character

Stresses the individuality and distinctiveness of a person's character.

character traits

Focuses specifically on the distinct qualities that make up an individual's character.

personal attributes

Highlights the characteristics and qualities that define a person.

individual nature

Emphasizes the inherent qualities and tendencies of a person.

distinctive identity

Focuses on the unique qualities that set someone apart from others.

personal disposition

Highlights a person's typical mood and behavior.

psychological makeup

Focuses on the mental and emotional components of a person.

inner self

Emphasizes the internal and psychological aspects of a person.

essence of being

Refers to the fundamental qualities that define someone.

personal brand

Relates to the image and impression someone projects to others, especially in a professional context.

FAQs

How can I use "personality" in a sentence?

You can use "personality" to describe someone's character, like "She has a vibrant "unique character"" or to describe the qualities of something non-human, such as "The city has a distinct personality."

What are some synonyms for "personality"?

Alternatives to "personality" include "character traits", "individual nature", or "personal attributes". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Which is correct: "personality" or "personalty"?

"Personality" is the correct term for describing someone's character. "Personalty" is an outdated term referring to personal property.

How does "personality" differ from "character"?

"Personality" encompasses the overall traits and behaviors of a person, while "character" often implies moral qualities and values. While related, "character" focuses more on ethical aspects.