Impersonal

im-PUR-suh-nuhl

/ɪmˈpɜːr.sə.nəl/

Adjective

Meaning

Impersonal describes something that does not show personal feelings, emotions, or individual involvement.
It refers to actions, statements, or behavior that are formal, detached, objective, or not influenced by personal relationships or emotions.

Examples

The email response was polite but impersonal, lacking any warmth or familiarity.
Large organizations often have an impersonal atmosphere due to formal procedures.
The judge delivered an impersonal verdict based strictly on the law.
Online customer support can sometimes feel impersonal compared to face-to-face interaction.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms	Antonyms
Detached Formal Objective Cold Unemotional Distant Neutral	Personal Warm Friendly Emotional Intimate Caring

Word Forms

Impersonally (adverb) – in a detached or formal way
Impersonality (noun) – the quality of being impersonal

Origin / Etymology

The word impersonal comes from the Late Latin impersonalis, meaning “not belonging to a person.” It is formed from the prefix im- (not) and personal, indicating a lack of individual or emotional involvement.

Grammar Information

Used primarily as an adjective.
Commonly appears before nouns (e.g., impersonal tone, impersonal system).
Often used to describe communication, behavior, environments, or decisions.

Translations

Hindi: निष्पक्ष / व्यक्तिगत नहीं
Spanish: impersonal
French: impersonnel
German: unpersönlich
Arabic: غير شخصي

Idioms & Phrases

Impersonal tone – a way of speaking or writing that avoids emotions or personal opinions
Impersonal communication – interaction that lacks personal connection or warmth