Per se
/pɜr ˈseɪ/
adverbC1
Definition
"Per se" is a phrase from Latin used in English to say that something is true or important by itself, not because of anything else. It helps to focus on the thing alone, without extra details or reasons around it.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
By itself; considered alone without other factors
- •The book isn’t interesting per se, but the story behind it is.
- •The problem isn’t the idea per se, but how it was done.
- •The movie isn’t bad per se, but it’s very long and slow.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "per se" like "alone," but more formal and used in special situations when you want to be clear about focusing only on one thing.
- ✓Picture a single apple on a table, not mixed with other fruits—that apple "per se" means just that one apple, nothing else.
- ✓It's the feeling when you say, "I like chocolate per se," meaning you like chocolate itself, not because it is in a cake or with nuts.
- ✓Sounds like "purr say" → imagine a cat softly saying "say" to remind you it's about what is said by itself.
- ✓In stories, a character might say something is not bad "per se," meaning it is not bad by itself but maybe bad because of other things.
- ✓NOT like "including" (which means with others), "per se" means alone or by itself.
- ✓NOT like "because" (which gives a reason), "per se" points to the thing itself, without reason.
- ✓NOT like "generally" (which means mostly), "per se" is very specific and exact.
Try Other Words
- •By itself: meaning alone, without others (Use in casual speech or writing)
- •Intrinsically: meaning naturally or basically (Use when talking about the true nature of something)
- •As such: meaning in that exact way (Use when clarifying or emphasizing a point)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: Latin phrase "per" (by, through) + "se" (itself)
- •Etymology: From Latin, meaning "by itself" or "in itself"
- •Historical development: Entered English use in the 17th century, mainly in formal or academic language
- •Modern usage: Used in English to emphasize that something is considered alone, often in legal, philosophical, or formal writing
Reflect & Connect
•How can using "per se" help make your meaning clearer when you want to focus on one part of a situation?
•Can you think of a time when something was not bad or good "per se" but became so because of other reasons?
Fill in the blanks
1.The idea isn’t wrong per se, but it ___ problems when applied in real life.
2.Saying something is bad per se means it is bad ___ other causes or reasons.
3.The term "per se" helps to focus ___ the main point without distractions.
4.The food wasn’t delicious per se, but the presentation made it ___.
5.When you say “It’s not dangerous per se,” you mean it’s not dangerous ___ itself.
6.The rule isn’t unfair per se, but it feels that way because of ___.
7.He didn’t dislike the painting per se; he just preferred ___ style.