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Latin borrowing meaning "in and of itself", used in certain fairly specific, idiomatic contexts in casual English. Is typically used with a negative to indicate that a term being used is understood to be imprecise or off-the-mark (i.e., not accurate 'per se') in a case where the term is nevertheless useful to an explanation. Usually followed by an explanation or justification for the use of the term indicated.

It is as well sometimes used preceding a term indicated, especially in more formal (e.g., legal) usage. In these contexts, usually used in the positive to reinforce a characterisation as fundamentally being the case (i.e., 'per se' accurate).
"It's not that I consider it a 'joke' per se. It's just that I don't think it takes the subject quite seriously enough, under the circumstances."

"Sexual advances toward a minor are without exception per se illegal in this state. This is not open to question or challenge."
by Yst October 28, 2005
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Sep 12 Word of the Day
Anatidaephobia is defined as a pervasive, irrational fear that one is being watched by a duck. The anatidaephobic individual fears that no matter where they are or what they are doing, a duck watches.

Anatidaephobia is derived from the Greek word "anatidae", meaning ducks, geese or swans and "phobos" meaning fear.
A:dude, Anatidaephobia is the coolest phobia ever!
B:quack!
by blank babushka October 24, 2009
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2
A Pretentious term, often used both out of context and too often by people who would like to sound more intelligent than they actually are.
"I know that you are my best friend but if you continue to use this phrase i shall have to kick the living shit out of you"..."Ok i wont kick shit out of you per se but i`ll certainly make you wish you had never said it"
by David Whittaker March 03, 2008
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3
sinulla on iso perse=you have a big ass
by sky roketing banana September 26, 2003
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4
Synonym for "exactly" or "quite."
I wouldn't call her short, per se. Maybe vertically challenged.
by chu December 13, 2004
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5
it is also ass in Estonian, which is similar to Finnish.
Sull on suur perse, You have a big ass
by peejay1954 April 12, 2011
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6
a phrase that allows some flexibility in the topic at hand, so you can talk about something without being very specific
i wouldn't say it's a psuedo box, per se, but i digress, i really do
by El_Scorcho August 28, 2003
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