Use of per se

Question

HiWould you say that the use of per se is natural (correct) here? I would have used the word directly.(A is interviewing B about his relationship with his stepmother)A - I have read that she is very encouraging about your career and keeps track of it?B - I am sure she is, but not to me per se. We never sat down face to face and talked about it.Thanks,Tom

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Mr. Tom I would have used the word directly.

So would I. But I wouldn't notice 'per se' as wrong in such a conversation.

Mr. Tom · Answer

Thanks, MM -- and sorry for the late response.

I checked some dictionaries and the only meaning of per se I found was: in itself, by itself. The medicine is not harmful per se, but if taken...

I want to know if per se can also be used this way -- I mean, are the following sentences natural/correct?

You didn't have to go round asking everyone about the lottery. You could've spoken to me per se. (directly)

Leave the rumor per se -- there were also other factors that contributed to her suicide. We should...
(Although the rumor was one cause of her suicide, it was not the only cause. The speaker suggests that it should be left alone/by itself and other factors should be highlighted.

Tom

CalifJim · Answer

Mr. TomYou could've spoken to me per se.

= You could've spoken to me in itself.

It makes no sense to me.

Note that se is a Latin third person pronoun.

CJ

Mr. Tom · Answer

Thanks, CJ. What about this? Does it work in the sense of by itself?

Leave the rumor per se for a minute -- there were also other factors that contributed to her suicide.

Tom

CalifJim · Answer

Mr. TomDoes it work in the sense of by itself?

No, but it works (though not well) as 'in itself'.

Leave it 'by itself' sounds like it's being abandoned, which is not the intent.

CJ

Use of per se

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