Impersonal: meaning, definitions and examples
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impersonal
[ ɪmˈpɜːsənəl ]
used in a formal or professional setting
Not influenced by, showing, or involving personal feelings. Not existing as a person or having human characteristics. Designed to seem like someone else, especially for fraudulent purposes.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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impersonal |
Used when something or someone lacks human warmth, emotions, or personal connection. It often has a negative connotation when describing interactions or environments.
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objective |
Used to describe an approach or judgment based on observable and verifiable facts, without personal feelings or biases. Commonly used in scientific, legal, and professional contexts.
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unbiased |
Used when describing a person, opinion, or decision that is fair and not influenced by personal feelings or preferences. It implies a high degree of fairness and neutrality.
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neutral |
Appropriate when describing a stance or opinion that is not influenced by personal or emotional involvement. It is used in situations where impartiality is required.
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Examples of usage
- It is important to remain impersonal when making business decisions.
- The report should be written in an impersonal tone.
- The impersonal nature of the law allows for equal treatment of all individuals.
- An impersonal email was sent to all employees regarding the new policy.
- His impersonal demeanor made it difficult to connect with him.
psychology
A type of pronoun that does not refer to any specific person.
Synonyms
indefinite pronoun.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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impersonal |
When talking about something that lacks human emotion, warmth, or individuality. This word is often used to describe situations, environments, or behaviors that feel cold or disconnected.
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indefinite pronoun |
When referring to non-specific people or things. Indefinite pronouns are words such as 'someone', 'anyone', 'everyone', 'something', 'anything', etc. They are used in both formal and informal speech or writing to talk about general, unspecified entities.
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Examples of usage
- In the sentence 'It is raining,' 'it' is an impersonal pronoun.
- Impersonal pronouns are commonly used in weather-related expressions.
Translations
Translations of the word "impersonal" in other languages:
🇵🇹 impessoal
🇮🇳 अव्यक्तिगत
🇩🇪 unpersönlich
🇮🇩 tidak pribadi
🇺🇦 неособистий
🇵🇱 bezosobowy
🇯🇵 非個人的
🇫🇷 impersonnel
🇪🇸 impersonal
🇹🇷 kişisel olmayan
🇰🇷 비인격적
🇸🇦 غير شخصي
🇨🇿 neosobní
🇸🇰 neosobný
🇨🇳 非个人的
🇸🇮 neosebno
🇮🇸 ópersónulegur
🇰🇿 жеке емес
🇬🇪 უპროცესო
🇦🇿 şəxsi olmayan
🇲🇽 impersonal
Etymology
The word 'impersonal' originated from the combination of the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' or 'without', and the word 'personal'. It first appeared in the mid-17th century, primarily used in the context of philosophy and psychology to describe things devoid of personal feelings or attributes. Over time, the term expanded to encompass a broader range of contexts, including business, law, and communication.
See also: personalization, personalize, personalized, personalizing.