personally

Used to say what you yourself think or feel.

• Personally, I like the blue one.
• I personally think we should wait.
• Personally, she would rather stay home than go out.

Similar words: in my opinion

Common phrases: personally think, personally prefer, personally believe

By you yourself, or involving you directly, rather than another person.

• I will deliver the letter personally.
• The director personally thanked each volunteer.
• Are you personally involved in the project?

How to use it: personally responsible for something (The manager is personally responsible for every payment.)

Similar words: in person, directly

Common phrases: personally responsible, personally involved, personally deliver something

As if a comment or action were meant to hurt or criticize you.

• Do not take it personally.
• She took his silence personally and felt upset.
• Why did you take that joke so personally?

How to use it: take something personally (Please do not take my criticism personally.)

Common phrases: take something personally, take it personally

Through actually meeting and having contact with someone.

• I know her personally.
• None of us knew the writer personally.
• Do you know the owner personally, or only through work?

Common phrases: know someone personally, personally know someone

In your private life, rather than your work or public activities.

• The move helped her personally and professionally.
• He was successful at work but struggled personally.
• How has the divorce affected you personally?

Similar words: in private life

Common phrases: personally and professionally, suffer personally

In your character and behavior as an individual.

• She is personally warm and friendly.
• Although his speeches were aggressive, he was personally gentle.
• I found him personally charming despite his harsh public image.

Similar words: as a person

Common phrases: personally charming, personally honest, personally reserved