Personable
/ˈpɜːr.sən.ə.bəl/noun
Having a pleasant, attractive, or charming manner.
Did you know?The deeper root of person is often linked to the Latin *persona*, the mask worn by an actor, so our modern idea of a “person” began as a role, not a soul.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-Classical Latin
Latin
persona
“an actor’s mask; a role or character”
Classical Latin
Latin
personābilis
“capable of sounding loud or being spoken through; later, pertaining to a person”
Middle French
Old French
personable
“agreeable, courteous, of good appearance”
Late Middle English
English
personable
“having a pleasing or attractive appearance or manner”
Modern English
English
personable
“pleasant, attractive, and easy to like”
Explore more surprising origins