Definitions

per se

[pur sey, see, per] / pɜr ˈseɪ, ˈsi, pər /

ADVERB

essentially

Synonyms

WEAK

alone as such by and of itself by definition by its very nature by itself fundamentally in essence in itself independently intrinsically of itself singularly solely virtually

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Our rule confirms that there is no investment class or strategy that is per se unlawful for retirement plans.

From The Wall Street Journal

Such businesses recognize that the end goal is not profit per se but the flourishing of their customers, employees and communities.

From MarketWatch

Yet “policy uncertainty” is not about policy change, per se, but rather about the unpredictability of future policy.

From MarketWatch

They claim that features like so-called infinite scrolling and “like” buttons—not user posts per se—harm children.

From The Wall Street Journal

Bank policies differ across the board, but chances are you won’t be given access to your parents’ accounts, per se.

From Salon