person
/ˈpɜːrsən/
human being
Every person has unique qualities.
This sentence emphasizes individuality.
general
An individual human being, regardless of age or gender.
The meeting was attended by three persons.
This refers to three individual people.
In legal contexts, 'person' can also refer to a corporation or organization.
Collocations
public persona well-known individualperson of interestsomeone under investigationperson in chargethe person responsible
Synonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal Usage
Use 'person' in formal contexts, while 'people' is more common in everyday speech.
Gold Rule
Legal Context
In law, 'person' can refer to both individuals and legal entities like corporations.
Word Origin
From Old French 'persone', from Latin 'persona' (mask, character in drama), from Etruscan 'phersu' (mask).
Usage Notes
In formal or legal contexts, 'person' is often used instead of 'people' when referring to a single individual.
Word Breakdown
per-
through, thoroughly
prefix-son
sound, voice
suffixEnglish Dictionary