per se

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A formal phrase meaning by itself or in itself, especially when separating a thing from its context or effects.
Practice using per se in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The research focuses on sleep per se, not dreams.
  • The problem is not the policy per se, but how it is applied.
  • The statute made the conduct unlawful per se.
  • I do not object to testing per se.
  • The judge asked whether the error was harmful per se.

Similar words

strictly speaking
by itself
as such
by law
intrinsically
automatically
in itself
intrinsically
as a matter of law
inherently

Meanings

By itself

everyday
formal
Considered by itself, in its own narrow sense, and not because of connected circumstances or effects.

Usage

Use per se after the noun or idea being narrowed. It often means the thing itself is not the problem, cause, or focus, but something connected with it is.

Examples

  • I do not object to testing per se.
  • The city is not beautiful per se, but it has charm.
  • The problem is not the policy per se, but how it is applied.
  • Money per se does not guarantee happiness.
  • The research focuses on sleep per se, not dreams.
  • The noise per se was less annoying than its timing.

Common mistakes

Per say is a spelling error for per se. The phrase also sounds formal, so itself is often clearer in casual writing.
IncorrectCorrect
The rule is not unfair per say. The rule is not unfair per se.
I do not dislike coffee per say. I do not dislike coffee per se.
The issue per se itself is small. The issue per se is small.

Similar words

in itself
by itself
as such
intrinsically
strictly speaking

Inherently or by law

legal
technical
In law, inherently or automatically because of the nature of the act or rule, without needing extra proof from surrounding facts.

Usage

Use per se in legal or policy contexts when something is treated as illegal, actionable, negligent, or conflicting by its nature or by a rule. Outside legal writing, explain the meaning if the audience may not know the term.

Examples

  • The complaint alleged negligence per se.
  • Some agreements are treated as illegal per se.
  • The court rejected a per se rule.
  • A conflict of interest may be a per se violation.
  • The statute made the conduct unlawful per se.
  • The judge asked whether the error was harmful per se.

Common mistakes

Per se in legal phrases is not a general intensifier. It marks that the rule applies by the thing's nature or by law.
IncorrectCorrect
The contract was per se very long. The contract was very long.
Negligence per say applies here. Negligence per se applies here.
The act was illegal per se because we disliked it. The act was illegal per se under the statute.

Similar words

inherently
automatically
by law
as a matter of law
intrinsically

Usage

Place the phrase directly after the thing being narrowed. In everyday writing, itself, in itself, or as such is often plainer.

Common mistakes

Per say is the common misspelling. Write per se as two words, and do not add itself after it unless the sentence truly needs repetition.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin per se, meaning by itself, of itself, or in itself. English has used it since the sixteenth century as a formal way to isolate a thing from surrounding circumstances.

FAQ

What does per se mean?

It means by itself, in itself, or as such.

Is it per se or per say?

The correct spelling is per se. Per say is a common misspelling.

How do you use per se in a sentence?

A natural example is The problem is not the policy per se, but how it is applied.

Is per se formal?

Yes. It is more formal than itself or by itself.

What does negligence per se mean?

It is a legal phrase for negligence treated as established because a law or rule was violated.

Can per se mean exactly?

Not usually. It means in itself or as such, not simply exactly.

Where does per se come from?

It comes from Latin, where it means by itself or in itself.

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