adjective
impersonal
im-PUR-suh-nuhl/ɪmˈpɜːrsənl/
Without a connection to a particular individual.
The receptionist's impersonal manner leaves the visitor waiting without eye contact or acknowledgment.
Etymology
The pieces express a lack of connection with a particular person. In this sense, that detachment concerns human interaction: it lacks the warmth or attention directed toward someone as an individual.
In context
We tend to think of Victorian orphanages as cold and impersonal, and many were.
More examples
- The hotel lobby looks elegant but feels impersonal.
- The report uses impersonal language rather than referring to individual employees.
- In “It is raining,” the subject “it” is impersonal.
Forms
impersonal · more impersonal · most impersonal
impersonally adverb — In a way lacking personal connection.
impersonality noun — The quality of lacking personal connection.