Imagine you’re writing an email or posting on social media, and you want to say something is true in itself. You might pronounce it as “per say” because it sounds like that. But that’s where the confusion begins. The correct spelling is “Per Say or Per Se” – a Latin phrase that means “by itself.” This mistake happens often, especially in casual speech or when people are quickly typing in forums, emails, or posts. It’s easy to get wrong because of how it sounds, but it’s not just about sound – it’s about being accurate in formal writing and making sure you’re understood.
Getting this right really matters – not only for clarity, but for professionalism and credibility. Many people may not even realize the pronunciation is off. If you speak or write in a way that shows you understand the proper form, you’re showing respect for language. That kind of care stands out. Whether you’re using the term in a business email or a public post, choosing “per se” over “per say” isn’t just about grammar – it shows your attention to detail and your skill with clear communication.
Exploring the Origins and True Meaning of “Per Se”
Understanding “Per Se” Through Its Latin Roots
The phrase “per se” comes from classical Latin – “per” means by and “se” means itself. In English, we use it to highlight the nature of something on its own, without reference to anything else. It’s been a part of legal and philosophical writing since the 17th century and remains widely used in academic, journalistic, and business contexts.
Definitions: The Intrinsic Meaning of “Per Se”
- Merriam‑Webster defines “per se” as “in itself, by itself.”
- In law, it’s used formally – “This evidence isn’t illegal per se.”
- In everyday speech, it lets you emphasize a quality. For example: “It’s not a bad idea per se, but…”
Key takeaway: “Per se” signals you’re talking about the basic essence of something – not its external context.
Using “Per Se” Correctly in Sentences
Here are typical, accurate uses of “per se”:
- I don’t dislike jazz per se, but I prefer rock.
- That argument isn’t flawed per se, but it’s missing key evidence.
- The role isn’t challenging per se, yet it demands consistency.
You can see how it fits naturally after the main clause and before additional commentary. It adds precision and nuance.
“Per Say” – A Common Misconception
“Per say” appears routinely in informal writing and spoken English due to the matching pronunciation. People assume it’s the same thing. But when you type “say” instead of “se,” spell-check may not catch it. So it’s easy to accidentally use “per say” in professional documents or public content – and that mistake can hurt your credibility.
Synonyms for “Per Se”: Expanding Your Vocabulary
Here are solid alternatives to “per se” that enrich style and maintain clarity:
| Synonym | Use Case |
| In itself | “The idea isn’t flawed in itself, but…” |
| Essentially | “The proposal is essentially sound.” |
| Intrinsically | “That task isn’t difficult intrinsically.” |
| By its nature | “Technology by its nature evolves fast.” |
These synonyms help you avoid overusing “per se” while keeping nuance.
Examining Alternatives to “Per Se”
You can often replace “per se” with common expressions. For example:
- Instead of: It’s not a bad plan per se.
- Try: It’s not a bad plan in itself.
That keeps meaning intact while sounding more conversational when needed.
Common Misuses of “Per Se” and How to Avoid Them
- 👉 Pitfall: “It is per se.” That doesn’t convey full meaning.
- ✅ Fix: Use it like “X is not good per se, but…”
- Another trap: stacking modifiers – don’t say “not good per se, necessarily.” Pick one.
Train yourself to pause after “per se” and check if it adds precise emphasis – not filler.
Distinguishing “Per Se” from “Necessarily”
These terms are similar but different:
- Per se – refers to quality by itself
Necessarily – signals cause or inevitability
Table:
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Per se | In itself | It’s not wrong per se, but incomplete. |
| Necessarily | As a direct consequence | It didn’t necessarily mean failure. |
Use “per se” for qualities. Use “necessarily” for cause or effect.
Clarifying the Difference Between “Per Se” and “So to Speak”
While “per se” is precise, “so to speak” is casual – it softens or clarifies figurative language:
- She’s intelligent, so to speak.
- She’s intelligent per se – (incorrect. Use: inherently intelligent.)
They aren’t interchangeable. Mixing them weakens precision.
Enhancing Language Skills with “Per Se”
Learning “per se” sharpens communication. It helps you sound clear, knowledgeable, and confident. Try these tips:
- Read articles and spot “per se.”
- Practice applying it correctly in your writing.
- Peer-edit and check misuse or overuse.
That small step strengthens tone, authority, and expression.
Mini Glossary: Latinisms You Should Know
| Term | Meaning | Context |
| Per se | In itself | Formal writing/speech |
| Ad hoc | For this | Used for specific solutions |
| De facto | In practice | Legal, business settings |
| Et al. | And others | Academic citation |
These Latin phrases give your writing precision and sophistication without feeling stuffy.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between “per se” and “per say” isn’t just about grammar – it’s about using language with precision and clarity. “Per se”, though Latin in origin, has firmly rooted itself in American English as a term that lends elegance and specificity to both written and spoken communication. When you use it correctly, you communicate not only your point, but also your mastery of nuance and tone.
So, the next time you’re tempted to write “per say,” remember that “per se” is the accurate expression. It means “in itself” or “by itself,” and it’s typically used to distinguish an idea, object, or condition from surrounding context. Use it well, and your communication will be sharper, clearer, and far more professional.
FAQs
What does “per se” mean in simple terms?
“Per se” means “in itself” or “by its nature.” It’s used to indicate the true essence of something, apart from any surrounding conditions. For example: “It’s not wrong per se, just poorly timed.”
Is “per say” ever correct in English?
No. “Per say” is a common misspelling and mispronunciation of “per se.” While it may sound correct phonetically, it has no meaning or usage in standard English.
Where does the phrase “per se” come from?
“Per se” is derived from Latin, where “per” means “by” and “se” means “itself.” It entered English via legal, philosophical, and scholarly usage, and it’s now part of formal and everyday language.
Can I use “per se” in casual conversation?
Yes, but sparingly. “Per se” is more common in formal writing or professional speech. However, if used correctly, it can add polish to casual conversation too. Just make sure your audience understands it.
What are some alternatives to using “per se”?
You can say “in itself,” “essentially,” “intrinsically,” or “by its nature.” These alternatives can often replace “per se” for a more modern or accessible tone, depending on your audience.
