Meaning & Definition of word "Persona"

Persona

/pərˈsoʊ.nə/

noun:

  • 1. The aspect of someone's character that is displayed to or perceived by others.
    • Example: Her cheerful persona made everyone feel at ease during the meeting.
  • 2. A character assumed by an author in a written work.
    • Example: The narrator adopted a cynical persona to convey the themes of the story.
  • 3. A social mask or facade that an individual presents in public.
    • Example: He maintained a tough persona to hide his insecurities.
  • 4. In psychology, it refers to the social face an individual presents to the world as a compromise between the individual's true self and society's expectations.
    • Example: She crafted a professional persona to advance her career while hiding her more creative side.

Etymology

Latin, meaning 'mask' or 'character'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

public persona:

The image or personality that someone shows to the public.

social persona:

The aspect of an individual's personality that is shaped by social interactions.

Related Words

identity:

The characteristics and qualities that make a person who they are.

image:

The general impression that a person gives to others.

facade:

A deceptive outward appearance.

Slang Meanings of persona

Meaning: A social personality or character that someone projects, often a more polished version of oneself.

Example Sentence: He really knows how to put on a persona when he's networking.

Meaning: The way someone chooses to present themselves online, often in a curated manner.

Example Sentence: Her Instagram persona is totally different from her real life.