persons
English meaning: Persons
Definition
An individual; usually a human being.
Example
“Each person is unique, both mentally and physically.”
Another example: “The sign read: 'Authorised persons only beyond this point.'”
Usage — When, Where & How
Plural noun (of 'person') for individuals, used mainly in formal, legal and official contexts ('missing persons', 'persons unknown'); in ordinary speech 'people' is preferred as the plural of 'person'.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'persona' (a mask, a character, a person), via Old French; the formal Latinate plural 'persons' coexists with the everyday 'people'.
Related Words
- institutionalized
- disabilities
- quarters
- kilometer
- household
- households
- consist
- trafficking
- surname
- homes
Common Collocations
- missing persons
- persons unknown
- displaced persons
- persons of interest
- important persons
- authorised persons only
Word Forms
person (sing.); persons / people (pl.); personal (adj)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B