Per se is used to emphasize that something is considered in and of itself, while per say is the incorrect usage of this term.
What does per se mean?
The term per se is a Latin expression that has made its way into English usage. It is often mispronounced and written as per say, which is incorrect. Per se is used to emphasize that something is considered in and of itself, without any additional factors or qualifiers affecting its intrinsic nature.
Example sentences
- Eating chocolate, per se, is not harmful, but consuming it excessively can lead to health problems.
- The law doesn't prohibit criticism, per se, but it does penalize hate speech.
- Being wealthy, per se, does not guarantee happiness or fulfillment.
- Winning the lottery, per se, doesn't solve all of life's problems; it can create new ones.
- His intelligence, per se, is not in question; it's his work ethic that's problematic.
- We don't object to change, per se, but we need a well-thought-out plan.
- Traveling, per se, is not a luxury; it depends on how you do it.
- The restaurant's décor is not the issue, per se, but the food quality needs improvement.
- Education, per se, is not the sole determinant of a person's success.
- The technology itself, per se, is not the problem; it's how it's being used that concerns us.
Common idioms/phrases
Remember that per se is the correct phrase, and it's used to convey the idea of something being considered in and of itself, without external factors or qualifiers influencing its nature. Per say is a common misspelling and should be avoided in formal writing and speech.
- In and of itself: This phrase is often used interchangeably with "per se" to convey the idea that something is inherently a certain way.
- By itself: Similar to "per se," this phrase emphasizes the isolation or independence of something.
- Of its own accord: This expression suggests that something acts or exists independently, without external influence.
- Intrinsic value: Refers to the inherent worth or value of something, emphasizing its qualities "per se."
- Autonomous entity: This phrase describes something that operates or exists independently, without external control.
- Uniquely: This adverb is used to emphasize the distinctiveness or individuality of something "per se."
- Inherent quality: Highlights a fundamental characteristic that is part of something's nature "per se."
- Essentially: Used to stress the core or essential nature of something.
- Fundamentally: Similar to "essentially," this adverb underscores the fundamental aspects of something "per se."
- Intrinsically valuable: Emphasizes that something possesses inherent value or worth.
Remember, per se is a Latin phrase that means in itself or intrinsically. It serves to isolate and emphasize the inherent nature of the subject it precedes. Per say is a common misspelling and should be avoided in formal writing and speech.
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