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 court rejected a per se rule.
  • A conflict of interest may be a per se violation.
  • Some agreements are treated as illegal per se.
  • The noise per se was less annoying than its timing.

Similar words

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

Meanings

By itself

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

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.

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.

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.

Similar words

inherently
automatically
by law
as a matter of law
intrinsically

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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