persona

noun

per·​so·​na pər-ˈsō-nə 

-ˌnä

plural personae pər-ˈsō-(ˌ)nē 

-ˌnī

or personas

1

: a character assumed by an author in a written work

2

a

plural personas [New Latin, from Latin] : an individual's social facade or front that especially in the analytical psychology of Carl Gustav Jung reflects the role in life the individual is playing compare anima

b

: the personality that a person (such as an actor or politician) projects in public : image

3

plural personae : a character in a fictional presentation (such as a novel or play)

—usually used in plural

comic personae

Examples of persona in a Sentence

His public persona is that of a strong, determined leader, but in private life he's very insecure.

The band takes on a whole new persona when they perform live.

Recent Examples on the Web

Tesla had a massive surge following President Trump's victory in November, then saw steep declines at the beginning of the year due to poor sales numbers and projections for future quarters, not to mention how Musk's persona in the new administration may drive some potential buyers away. —Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025

Fox is a brilliant comedic talent, playing into her own public persona in a hilarious tongue-in-cheek way. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025

Develop detailed persona profiles and script a conversation where each reacts to different aspects of my offering. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

Some audiences come for the Riot Grrrl, or feminist punk, personas of the skaters, and are rewarded with fast-paced, high-contact skating. —Colleen English, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

1732, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing persona

• in propria persona
• persona grata
• persona non grata

Rhymes for persona

• annona
• bellona
• cardona
• cinchona
• kimono
• ramona
• belladonna
• desdemona
• bona
• dona
• jonah
• krona

Medical Definition

persona

noun

per·​so·​na pər-ˈsō-nə, -ˌnä 

plural personas

: an individual's social facade or front that especially in the analytical psychology of C. G. Jung reflects the role in life the individual is playing compare anima sense 1