Impersonal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
impersonal
[ษชmหpษหsษnษl ]
Definitions
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 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|---|
| 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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Impersonal communication can sometimes help avoid emotional conflicts, making it easier to convey facts without bias.
- Psychologists note that impersonal styles in writing can lead to clearer messages, especially in academic or professional settings.
Literature
- Many authors use an impersonal narrative style to create a sense of detachment, allowing readers to focus on themes rather than charactersโ emotions.
- Famous works, such as George Orwell's '1984', utilize an impersonal tone to emphasize the coldness of a dystopian society.
Pop Culture
- In modern digital communication, impersonal language is often seen in emails and texts, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.
- Talk shows and news programs may adopt an impersonal tone to maintain neutrality and credibility while delivering information.
Sociology
- In large organizations, impersonal interactions can create efficiency, but they might also lead to feelings of isolation among employees.
- Sociologists study how impersonal relationships in urban areas can affect individual well-being and social connectedness.
Origin of 'impersonal'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin roots: 'im-' means 'not,' and 'persona' means 'mask' or 'role,' highlighting a lack of personal identity.
- It became popular in the English language in the mid-19th century and was often used in philosophical and social discussions.
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.