Person Meaning and Definition
Person
Pronunciation
/ˈpərsɔn/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A human being, whether male or female; an individual’s distinctive characteristics, behavior, and life history.
Etymology
The word “person” comes from the Latin “persona,” meaning “mask” or “role,” and was first used in the 15th century to refer to a character in a play or a role in society.
Usage Notes
The term “person” is often used to refer to both men and women, and can be used as a singular or plural noun. It is also used in many compound words, such as “personality” and “personnel.”
Cultural References
The concept of the person has been explored in literature and art throughout history, from ancient Greek tragedy to modern psychological theory. Examples include the works of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Personality clash
- Person to person
- Behind the scenes person
Related Words or Phrases
- Individual
- Human being
- Persona
Collocations
Person a
- Person to person
- Personality test
Frequency of Use
The word “person” is a very common term in modern language, used in a wide range of contexts, from everyday conversation to academic and professional settings.
Common Misspellings
- Persin
- Perspon