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personal

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adjective British English pronunciation: personal /ˈpɜː(r)s(ə)nəl/
 
  1. 1
    [usually before noun] used about your own opinions or feelings

    My own personal view is that boxing should be banned.

    Choosing a new car is a matter of personal preference.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  personalThesaurus entry for this meaning of personal
    1. a.
      used about events or experiences in your life

      her own personal tragedy

      Most writers use personal experience as the basis for their novels.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  personalThesaurus entry for this meaning of personal
    2. b.
      used about things that you own

      Many of her personal belongings had been stolen.

      Every scrap of personal property was removed from his pockets.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  personalThesaurus entry for this meaning of personal
    3. c.
      used about services or objects that you do not share with anyone else

      I’ve decided to hire a personal fitness trainer.

      He has his own personal telephone in his bedroom.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  personalThesaurus entry for this meaning of personal
  2. 2
    private and not known or available to most people

    This is a personal matter and does not concern you.

    a personal conversation/letter

    for personal reasons:

    She resigned from her job for personal reasons.

    personal problems (=ones concerning your relationships or health):

    He’s had a few personal problems recently.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  personalThesaurus entry for this meaning of personal
  4. 4
    [only before noun] involving a direct relationship between two people who know each other

    The two leaders had a good personal relationship.

    Sue and Harry are close personal friends.

    personal chemistry (=strong feelings when two people have a very special close relationship):

    the unique personal chemistry between twins

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  personalThesaurus entry for this meaning of personal
  5. 5
    done by a person directly, rather than by a representative

    The Rolling Stones will be making a personal appearance at the awards ceremony.

    the president’s personal involvement in the project

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  personalThesaurus entry for this meaning of personal
    1. a.
      used for describing something that is friendly and shows your personality

      Her visit to my office was a nice personal touch.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  personalThesaurus entry for this meaning of personal

phrases

This is the British English definition of personal. View American English definition of personal.

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