Master confusing words with ease
Per say vs. Per se
Per say
/pɚ ˈseɪ/Examples:
The painting isn't abstract per se, but it has unique elements.He's not a friend per se, rather an acquaintance.The film isn't horror per se; it's more of a thriller.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Per se
/ˌpɜː ˈseɪ/Examples:
The report was concerning, per se, but not alarming.Per se, the policy is sound, but it needs adjustments.He didn't dislike the movie per se; he just found it too long.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
This word has no antonymsWays to tell them apart:
- Per se is a Latin phrase meaning by itself.
- Per say is a common misspelling or mispronunciation of per se.
- Remember that per se is used to emphasize the intrinsic nature of something, not how it is commonly said.
- The phrase per se is often seen in formal writing or legal contexts.
- If you are trying to emphasize specifics about something, use per se, not per say.
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