What Does the Latin Phrase “Per Se” Mean?

“Per se” is not an uncommon expression and can be easily found in many discussions across various disciplines, where it serves to emphasize the intrinsic nature of a concept, object, or situation. In everyday language, this term comes to the aid when separating one’s general opinion or perspective from a specific aspect of a topic or subject.

Per Se Meaning and Origin

Key Takeaways

• “Per se” is a Latin phrase meaning “by itself” or “in itself”
• It is commonly used to distinguish a specific element from a broader context
• The term emphasizes the intrinsic nature of a topic or subject

What Does Per Se Mean?

Per se is a Latin phrase that means “by itself,” “in itself,” “essentially,” or “intrinsically.” It is used to emphasize a particular element or aspect of a larger topic. When discussing something, the phrase “per se” can be employed to single out or distinguish a specific element from its broader context.

Origin and Context of Per Se

The term per se originates from Latin and dates back to the 1500s. It is a combination of the preposition “per,” which can mean “through” or “by means of,” and the reflexive pronoun “se.” In its inception, the phrase was primarily used to refer to letters as letters (e.g., A per se). Over time, the usage of per se evolved and expanded to be applicable in a variety of contexts.

In everyday language, per se helps provide clarity and focus on an inherent quality or nature of something without considering external factors. For example, one might argue that it is not the high sugar content per se in a dessert that makes it delicious but rather the combination of flavors, textures, and presentation.

Related Terms to Per Se

Some related terms and phrases to “per se” include:

• In essence: This phrase embodies the same meaning as per se, emphasizing the inherent or essential nature of something.
• Intrinsically: Means that something is inherently or naturally a part of its nature or quality.
• By its very nature: Highlights the idea that a characteristic or quality is fundamental to the subject being discussed.

Per Se Synonyms

“Per se” is a Latin term that literally translates to “by itself,” “in itself,” or “of itself.” This term is often used to describe something independently of its context or to emphasize its intrinsic nature. Some common synonyms for “per se” include “in essence,” “as such,” “of itself,” “necessarily,” “in and of itself,” and “so to speak.” These synonyms can be used interchangeably when describing a concept or thing without its context.

Per Se Examples

One common use of per se is to highlight an item as not being problematic or advantageous on its own, but when combined with other factors, it becomes significant. For example:

• The individual ingredients in the recipe are not unhealthy per se, but the combination and portion sizes create a high-calorie meal.

In legal contexts, per se is used to denote a situation where something is inherently or automatically considered unlawful or wrong without the necessity for further analysis:

• The defendant’s actions constituted a per se violation of the statute, making it clear that what they did was illegal.

Another use of per se is to emphasize that something is not an essential factor or sole cause of a certain outcome, but still plays an important role:

• Having a prestigious degree isn’t a guarantee of success per se, but it often opens doors and provides valuable connections.

Per se can also be employed to clarify that a specific element is being discussed in isolation, without taking other factors into account:

• Regarding taste alone, the sauce is not too spicy per se, but it may overpower the subtler flavors of the dish.

Related terms:

• Memento Mori
• Semper Fi