per se

Definition

Without determination by or involvement of extraneous factors; by its very nature.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin per sē (“by itself”), from per (“by, through”) and sē (“itself, himself, herself, themselves”).

Example Sentences

• "Near-synonyms: by definition, by nature, essentially, in essence, ipso facto, intrinsically; see also Thesaurus:intrinsically"
• "Some people say that a hangover is caused by impurities in the drink, not by the alcohol per se."
• "They say he is a very man per se, And stands alone."