What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
character
Example
He has a strong character and always stands up for what he believes in. [character: noun]
Example
The actress played the character of a brave and fearless detective. [character: role or persona]
personality
Example
She has a friendly and outgoing personality, always making people feel welcome. [personality: noun]
Example
His personality shines through in his sense of humor and positive attitude. [personality: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Personality is more commonly used than character in everyday language. Personality is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts and is frequently used to describe people's traits and behaviors. On the other hand, character is less common and is often used in specific contexts such as literature, theater, or discussions of moral values.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between character and personality?
While personality is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, character can have a more formal connotation when discussing moral or ethical values. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.
