• Latin borrowing meaning in and of itself, used in certain fairly specific, idiomatic contexts in casual English. Is typically used with a negative to indicate that a term being used is understood to be imprecise or off-the-mark (i.e., not accurate per se) in a case where the term is nevertheless useful to an explanation. Usually followed by an explanation or justification for the use of the term indicated.
    It is as well sometimes used preceding a term indicated, especially in more formal (e.g., legal) usage. In these contexts, usually used in the positive to reinforce a characterisation as fundamentally being the case (i.e., per se accurate).


    Per se meaning & definition 1 of Per se.


  • A Pretentious term, often used both out of context and too often by people who would like to sound more intelligent than they actually are.

    Per se meaning & definition 2 of Per se.


  • Synonym for exactly or quite.

    Per se meaning & definition 3 of Per se.


  • a phrase that allows some flexibility in the topic at hand, so you can talk about something without being very specific

    Per se meaning & definition 4 of Per se.


  • -- on the face of it
    -- generally speaking
    -- on average
    -- inherently

    Frequently used improperly by persons who think it makes them sound educated.

    Per se meaning & definition 5 of Per se.


  • Of, in, or by itself or oneself; [intrinsically].
    with respect to its [inherent] nature;
    Can be used to mean as such, sort of and just about but the phrase may [not fit] into the context of such uses.

    Per se meaning & definition 6 of Per se.


  • as such or by but really it seems to be used as a [pause] in a sentence.

    It is an overused phrase by [Neanderthal] [wannabes] incapable of speaking or writing clearly.

    Per se meaning & definition 7 of Per se.

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