What does ‘Per se’ mean?

The Latin phrase 'Per se' is a valuable addition to the English lexicon, meaning "by itself," "intrinsically," or "as such." It is used to specify that something is being considered in its own right, separate from any external factors, consequences, or associated circumstances. For example, a particular food might not be unhealthy per se, but consuming it in excessive quantities could lead to health issues. Another common application is in legal discourse, where an act might not be illegal per se, but the context in which it occurs could render it unlawful. This phrase allows for a nuanced distinction, highlighting the inherent nature or quality of a subject. It helps to clarify that a judgment or characteristic applies to the thing itself, rather than to its broader implications or related elements. Therefore, among the given choices, "By itself" accurately captures the core meaning of 'Per se', distinguishing it from unrelated concepts like "For example," "In addition," or "Afterwards."