Etymology Map
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Persona

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means the aspect of personality shown to others

Where does the word "persona" come from? It comes from Latin persona, adopted directly into English (1910s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
persona
Latin · ancient
"actor's mask"
possibly from Etruscan 'phersu'
2
Stage 2 of 2
persona
English · 1910s
"character"
Jung used it for the face one shows to the world
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Read the full story

Persona’s story begins in Latin: persona meant “actor's mask.” Possibly from Etruscan 'phersu'. It reached English by 1910s as persona. Jung used it for the face one shows to the world. Today, persona means the aspect of personality shown to others.