Definition of PERSON
PERSONz Noun and (less common) Verb
Person is primarily a noun that refers to an individual human being. It denotes a single member of the human species, encompassing aspects of identity, consciousness, and individuality. Person can also be used as a verb in specific contexts, meaning to represent or embody someone.
PERSON as a noun
As a noun, person refers to any individual human being, emphasizing their existence as a distinct entity with unique thoughts, feelings, and characteristics. It is used to describe someone in both legal and social contexts, acknowledging their rights, responsibilities, and social roles. Examples include “a kind person,” “a missing person,” or “each person in the room.”
PERSON as a verb
As a verb, person is less common but can be used to describe the act of representing or embodying a particular individual or character. For instance, in literature or theatrical contexts, one might say, “The actor personed the role with great conviction,” meaning the actor brought the character to life.
Legal and Social Identity: In legal and social contexts, the term person is significant as it confers certain rights and responsibilities. Legally, a person is recognized as having the capacity to enter into contracts, own property, and be accountable for their actions. Socially, a person is seen as a member of society with a unique identity, contributing to and interacting within various communities and social structures.
Individuality and Identity: The concept of person encompasses the notion of individuality and personal identity. It highlights the unique attributes, experiences, and perspectives that distinguish one individual from another. This individuality is fundamental to personal expression, self-awareness, and the recognition of each person’s inherent value and dignity.
Personhood and Humanity: Person also relates to the broader concept of personhood, which involves the qualities that define an individual as a human being. Personhood includes aspects such as consciousness, self-awareness, the ability to think and reason, and the capacity for moral and ethical judgment. It is central to discussions in philosophy, ethics, and human rights, emphasizing the intrinsic worth of each human being.
Social Roles and Relationships: As a member of society, a person occupies various social roles and engages in numerous relationships. These roles and relationships are shaped by cultural, familial, and societal norms and expectations. Understanding a person involves considering their social context, interactions, and the networks of relationships that influence their behavior and experiences.
In conclusion, person is primarily a noun that refers to an individual human being, emphasizing their unique identity, individuality, and humanity. It can also function as a verb in specific contexts, meaning to represent or embody someone. The term is significant in legal, social, and ethical contexts, recognizing the rights, responsibilities, and intrinsic value of each individual. Understanding the concept of a person involves appreciating their distinct characteristics, social roles, and the broader context of personhood that underscores their place in society.
Examples of PERSON in a sentence
PERSON as a noun in a sentence
- She is a kind and generous person who always helps those in need.
- Every person has the right to freedom of expression and opinion.
- The company is looking to hire a person with strong leadership skills.
- He is the type of person who always sees the glass as half full.
- The missing person was last seen near the park.
- The award was given to the person who made the most significant contribution to the project.
- A person should always strive to learn and grow throughout their life.
- The person responsible for the event planning did an excellent job.
PERSON as a verb in a sentence
- The manager decided to person the booth with enthusiastic volunteers.
- They needed to person the helpline 24/7 to assist all customers promptly.
- We should person the information desk during the entire conference.
- The organizers planned to person the registration counter with experienced staff.
- Volunteers were recruited to person the community outreach program.
- The company will person the new office with highly skilled professionals.
- It’s important to person critical roles with individuals who have the right expertise.
- They will person the customer service department with bilingual representatives to better serve the community.
Etymology of PERSON
The term person originates from the Latin word “persona,” which initially referred to a theatrical mask worn by actors in ancient Rome, and later evolved to denote an individual human being. Here’s the breakdown:
- Persona (Latin): Initially referring to a theatrical mask, later extended to denote an individual human being.
Therefore, person refers to an individual human being, typically with their own identity, characteristics, and consciousness. It encompasses the totality of an individual’s being, including their physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects. The term is fundamental in human interactions, legal contexts, and philosophical discourse, serving as the basis for understanding human rights, responsibilities, and relationships in society. It underscores the uniqueness and dignity of each individual as a sentient being capable of thought, emotion, and action.
Synonyms
- Individual
- Human being
- Soul
- Human
- Individuality
- Character
- Personality
- Entity
Antonyms
- Non-person
- Object
- Thing
- Entity
- Being
- Creature
- Non-human
- Inanimate
Related
- People
- Persons
- Personal
- Persona
- Personalization
- Personality
- Individual
- Human
🌐 🇬🇧 PERSON in other languages
| Spanish 🇪🇸 | Persona |
| French 🇫🇷 | Personne |
| German 🇩🇪 | Person |
| Chinese (simpl) 🇨🇳 | 人 |
| Chinese (trad) 🇨🇳 | 人 |
| Italian 🇮🇹 | Persona |
| Portuguese 🇵🇹 | Pessoa |
| Dutch 🇳🇱 | Persoon |
| Swedish 🇸🇪 | Person |
| Norwegian 🇳🇴 | Person |
| Finnish 🇫🇮 | Henkilö |
| Romanian 🇷🇴 | Persoană |
| Polish 🇵🇱 | Osoba |
| Hungarian 🇭🇺 | Személy |
| Czech 🇨🇿 | Osoba |
| Bulgarian 🇧🇬 | Лице |
| Ukrainian 🇺🇦 | особа |
| Russian 🇷🇺 | Человек |
| Turkish 🇹🇷 | Kişi |
| Azerbaijani 🇦🇿 | Şəxs |
| Armenian 🇦🇲 | Անձ |
| Arabic 🇸🇦 | شخص |
| Hebrew 🇮🇱 | אדם |
| Urdu 🇵🇰 | شخص |
| Farsi/Persian 🇮🇷 | شخص |
| Hindi 🇮🇳 | व्यक्ति |
| Bengaleli/se 🇧🇩 | ব্যক্তি |
| Marathi 🇮🇳 | व्यक्ती |
| Telugu 🇮🇳 | వ్యక్తి |
| Tamil 🇮🇳 | நபர் |
| Gujarati 🇮🇳 | વ્યક્તિ |
| Kannada 🇮🇳 | ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿ |
| Odia (Orya) 🇮🇳 | ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି |
| Malayalam 🇮🇳 | വ്യക്തി |
| Punjabi 🇮🇳 | ਵਿਅਕਤੀ |
| Sinhala/ese 🇱🇰 | පුද්ගලයා |
| Nepali 🇳🇵 | व्यक्ति |
| Burmese 🇲🇲 | ပုဂ္ဂိုလ် |
| Thai 🇹🇭 | บุคคล |
| Vietnamese 🇻🇳 | Người |
| Malay 🇲🇾 | Orang |
| Indonesian 🇮🇩 | Orang |
| Tagalog 🇵🇭 | Tao |
| Japanese 🇯🇵 | 人 |
| Korean 🇰🇷 | 사람 |
| Oromo 🇪🇹 | Nama |
| Somali 🇸🇴 | Qofka |
| Amharic 🇪🇹 | ሰው |
| Swahili 🇹🇿 | Mtu |
| Yoruba 🇳🇬 | Ènìyàn |