Personal vs. Personnel: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on November 7, 2023
Personal vs. Personnel: "Personal" relates to individuals or their private matters; "Personnel" refers to the employees of an organization.
Key Differences
"Personal" pertains to private life, individual feelings, or confidential matters. It's about what belongs to you or characterizes you, as in personal belongings or personal opinions. "Personnel," however, is about the people who work for a company or organization. It's a collective term that doesn't refer to one's private life but to one's professional role within a group.
"Personal" can describe things, emotions, or activities related to a specific person, disconnected from others. Personal taste, for example, means what you, specifically, like. It's not about being part of a group. "Personnel" is the exact opposite in that sense. It's not about individuals per se but about being part of a workforce. Personnel management is about overseeing employees, not managing private lives.
The use of "personal" is broad, applying to almost anything related to individuals, from personal trainer to personal statement. It's about one's own experiences or characteristics. "Personnel," in contrast, is used strictly in professional or formal contexts. You would never use "personnel" to describe something belonging to or related to an individual outside of their work context.
"Personal" carries a sense of ownership and intimacy. For instance, a personal letter is written for you, and possibly, only you should read it. It's not meant for a group. "Personnel" lacks that intimacy because it groups individuals together under the umbrella of their workplace. Personnel files, for example, contain no intimate secrets, just work-related information.
"Personal" is an adjective, while "personnel" is a noun. This grammatical difference underscores their functional difference: "personal" describes, while "personnel" denotes a collective group. You use "personal" to qualify something as related to a person, while you use "personnel" to refer to a group of people working together.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Noun
Definition
Relating to an individual
Employees of an organization
Usage Context
Private life, individuality
Professional, workforce
Scope
Individual-specific
Group-specific
Relation to Privacy
Intimate or confidential
Work-related, not private
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Personal and Personnel Definitions
Personal
Personal: Unique to a specific individual.
Her personal style is quite eclectic.
Personnel
Personnel: The employees of or people belonging to an organization.
All personnel must attend the meeting.
Personal
Personal: Done by a person themselves, not by others.
This requires a personal touch.
Personnel
Personnel: People employed in an enterprise or on a task.
The shop's personnel are very helpful.
Personal
Of or relating to a particular person; private
“Like their personal lives, women's history is fragmented, interrupted” (Elizabeth Janeway).
Personnel
Personnel: The body of persons employed in some public service, as the army, navy, etc.
Military personnel are subject to strict rules.
Personal
Done, made, or performed in person
A personal appearance.
Personnel
Personnel: A group of people ready for duty or deployment.
We have skilled personnel for this project.
Personal
Done to or for or directed toward a particular person
A personal favor.
Personnel
Personnel: A department or division of a company focused on staff-related matters.
She works in personnel management.
Personal
Concerning a particular person and that person's private business, interests, or activities; intimate
I have something personal to tell you.
Personnel
(used with pl. verb) The people employed by or active in an organization, business, or service.
Personal
Aimed pointedly at the most intimate aspects of a person, especially in a critical or hostile manner
An uncalled-for, highly personal remark.
Personnel
The department of human resources in an organization.
Personal
Tending to make remarks, or be unduly questioning, about another's affairs
As the student debate got heated, it got personal.
Personnel
Collection of people in an organization, such as employees and office staff, members of the military, etc.
Personal
Of or relating to the body or physical being
Personal cleanliness.
Personnel
(uncountable) A human resources department.
I've just had a letter from personnel.
Personal
Relating to or having the nature of a person or self-conscious being
Belief in a personal God.
Personnel
The body of persons employed in some public service, as the army, navy, etc.; - distinguished from matériel.
Personal
(Law) Of or relating to the person
Personal property as opposed to real property.
Personal jurisdiction as opposed to in rem jurisdiction.
Personnel
Group of people willing to obey orders;
A public force is necessary to give security to the rights of citizens
Personal
(Grammar) Indicating grammatical person.
Personnel
The department responsible for hiring and training and placing employees and for seting policies for personnel management
Personal
A personal item or notice in a newspaper.
Personal
Personals A column in a newspaper or magazine featuring personal notices.
Personal
Pertaining to persons (human beings as opposed to things or animals).
Personal
Of or pertaining to a particular person; relating to, or affecting, an individual, or each of many individuals
Her song was her personal look at the values of friendship.
Personal values
Personal desire
Personal
Dealing with subjects about which one wishes (or people usually wish) to maintain privacy or discretion; not for public view; sensitive, intimate.
You can't read my diary—it is personal.
That's a very personal question.
I can't believe you went through my drawers and looked at all my personal things!
Personal reasons
Personal
(euphemistic) Intended for sexual use.
Personal lubricant; personal massager
Personal
Pertaining to the external or bodily appearance; corporeal; bodily.
Personal charms
Personal
Done in person; without an intermediary.
A personal interview
A personal meeting
Personal settings
Personal
Relating to an individual, their character, conduct, motives, or private affairs, in an invidious and offensive manner
Personal reflections or remarks
Personal
(grammar) Denoting a person or people.
A personal pronoun
Personal
Denoting ownership.
One's personal vehicle, as opposed to a company vehicle
Personal
An advertisement by which an individual attempts to meet others with similar interests.
Personal
One's own property or asset
Personal
Pertaining to human beings as distinct from things.
Every man so termed by way of personal difference.
Personal
Of or pertaining to a particular person; relating to, or affecting, an individual, or each of many individuals; peculiar or proper to private concerns; not public or general; as, personal comfort; personal desire.
The words are conditional, - If thou doest well, - and so personal to Cain.
Personal
Pertaining to the external or bodily appearance; corporeal; as, personal charms.
Personal
Done in person; without the intervention of another.
The immediate and personal speaking of God.
Personal
Relating to an individual, his character, conduct, motives, or private affairs, in an invidious and offensive manner; as, personal reflections or remarks.
Personal
Denoting person; as, a personal pronoun.
Personal
A movable; a chattel.
Personal
A short newspaper article about a particular person or group
Personal
Concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality;
A personal favor
For your personal use
Personal papers
I have something personal to tell you
A personal God
He has his personal bank account and she has hers
Personal
Particular to a given individual
Personal
Of or arising from personality;
Personal magnetism
Personal
Intimately concerning a person's body or physical being;
Personal hygiene
Personal
Indicating grammatical person;
Personal verb endings
Personal
Personal: Relating to one's private life.
He doesn't often share personal details.
Personal
Personal: Concerning one's body or physical being.
Personal hygiene is very important.
Personal
Personal: Intended for private use or possession.
Keep your personal items secure.
FAQs
Can "personal" be used in formal contexts?
Yes, like in "personal statement" or "personal attorney."
Is "personnel" ever used for individuals?
Rarely, it's mostly used for groups of employees.
Is "personal" synonymous with "private"?
Often, though "personal" can be broader, including physical and emotional aspects.
Can "personnel" refer to non-human resources?
No, it specifically refers to people.
Can "personal" refer to things shared with others?
Typically, no. It usually pertains to individuals and their private matters.
Does "personnel" have a casual usage?
No, it's primarily used in formal or corporate contexts.
Is "personnel" used in the military?
Yes, to refer to military staff or employees.
Can "personal" relate to professional life?
Yes, in terms like "personal development" even in a career context.
Does "personal" concern belongings?
It can, as in "personal property" or "personal belongings."
Does "personal" imply emotional attachment?
It can, as it relates to personal feelings or experiences.
Does "personal" entail responsibility?
Sometimes, especially in matters concerning one's self or possessions.
Does "personnel" imply organization?
Yes, it's about structured groups of people in a workplace.
Is "personal" subjective?
Often, yes. It's related to individual feelings or opinions.
Can "personnel" be automated?
No, it specifically refers to human employees.
Is "personnel" collective?
Yes, it always refers to a group of employees.
Does "personnel" refer to staff quality?
Indirectly. It denotes staff but doesn't describe their qualities.
Can "personnel" include temporary staff?
Yes, it encompasses all staff, temporary or permanent.
Is "personal" private?
Generally, yes, it's related to private life or matters.
Is "personnel" about individual identities?
No, it's about people's roles within organizations.
Can "personal" be exclusive?
Yes, it often pertains to something reserved for an individual.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
