Personal Meaning
Personal Definition & Usage
Relating to a person’s private life, feelings, or preferences.
Examples
- "She keeps her personal life separate from her professional career."
- "He was shocked by the personal questions asked during the interview."
- "The document contains personal information, so it must be kept confidential."
- "I prefer not to share personal details on social media."
- "Her personal interests include hiking and photography."
Belonging to or associated with a particular individual or group.
Examples
- "This is my personal car, not the company vehicle."
- "He had a personal connection to the city, having grown up there."
- "Each person has a personal workspace in the office."
- "You should consult your personal doctor before making any health decisions."
- "She made a personal commitment to improve her fitness."
Specifically tailored or customized for an individual’s use or needs.
Examples
- "They offered a personal shopping experience for each customer."
- "The company provides personal coaching sessions for entrepreneurs."
- "She wore a personal gift from her mother on her wedding day."
- "I prefer personal recommendations when selecting restaurants."
- "The software can be adjusted for personal preferences."
Cultural Context
The word 'personal' comes from the Latin 'personalis', meaning 'pertaining to a person'. Over time, it evolved in English to describe not only private matters but also those that are uniquely tailored to an individual. Today, 'personal' is used widely in various contexts including privacy, identity, ownership, and customized services.
A Personal Journey
Story
A Personal Journey
Ella had always been a private person. She kept her personal life closely guarded, often avoiding questions about her family or her childhood. One day, while meeting her old friend Alex for coffee, the conversation took a different turn. Alex asked, 'So, how's your personal project going? The one you’ve been working on for months?' Ella smiled. She had been pouring her heart into a personal project—creating a blog to share her passion for travel and photography. As they chatted, Ella couldn’t help but reflect on how much her journey had become more than just a hobby. It was deeply personal. The stories she wrote were a reflection of her thoughts, memories, and dreams. She had curated each post with great care, making sure it felt uniquely hers, a personal space where she could express herself without boundaries. 'I guess it's more personal than I thought,' she said with a laugh, sipping her coffee. Later that day, she received a message from a stranger who had read her latest post. The message was kind and thoughtful, and it reminded her why she had started the blog in the first place—to share a part of herself. The stranger referred to her writing as 'a personal invitation to explore the world.' Ella’s personal project had blossomed into something that connected her to people across the globe. It had become a bridge between her inner world and the outside one. She realized that in opening up, she was also creating a space for others to feel seen. By sharing her personal experiences, she had not only found her voice but had invited others to share theirs too. As she walked home, Ella thought about the impact of 'personal' things. Whether it was her personal space, her personal story, or the personal connections she made through her blog, she understood now that what was truly personal had the power to transcend boundaries. 'Maybe personal isn't just about keeping things to myself,' she mused. 'Maybe it's about sharing what matters most.'
Related Words
