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impersonal
IPA:
Dictionary definition of impersonal
Lacking personal or emotional connection, warmth, or individuality.
"The automated response from the customer service hotline felt impersonal and lacked empathy."
Detailed meaning of impersonal
It suggests a lack of personal involvement or personalization, often conveying a sense of detachment or objectivity. When something is described as impersonal, it implies a focus on facts, logic, or generalization rather than personal feelings or experiences. Impersonal situations, interactions, or environments often prioritize efficiency, professionalism, or impartiality over personal or emotional considerations. Impersonal communication may involve a lack of personalization or individual attention, while impersonal spaces may lack personal touches or elements that reflect specific individuals or their preferences. The term can also describe a manner or attitude that is distant, reserved, or lacking in warmth or personal engagement. Overall, the adjective "impersonal" characterizes something as lacking personal connection, individuality, or emotional involvement, often emphasizing objectivity, formality, or detachment.
Example sentences containing impersonal
1. The office environment was sterile and impersonal, lacking any personal touches or decorations.
2. The professor's feedback on the assignments was generic and impersonal, lacking specific guidance.
3. The large corporation had an impersonal approach to employee interactions, focusing solely on productivity.
4. The hotel room felt cold and impersonal, devoid of any personal touches or warmth.
5. The online shopping experience was impersonal, with generic product recommendations and automated responses.
6. The courtroom proceedings maintained an impersonal tone, focusing solely on presenting evidence and facts.
History and etymology of impersonal
The adjective 'impersonal' is formed by combining the prefix 'im-' (meaning 'not' or 'without') with the word 'personal.' 'Personal' has its origins in the Latin word 'personalis,' which is derived from 'persona,' meaning 'person' or 'individual.' 'Personalis' was used to describe something that pertained to a specific person or individual. By adding 'im-' to 'personal,' we create the opposite meaning, indicating something that lacks a personal or individual connection, warmth, or emotional quality. The etymology of 'impersonal' underscores its role in describing interactions, communication, or situations that do not involve or evoke a strong sense of personal or emotional connection, often conveying a sense of detachment or formality.
Further usage examples of impersonal
1. The textbook's writing style was formal and impersonal, lacking personal anecdotes or examples.
2. The restaurant's service was efficient but impersonal, leaving customers feeling like mere transactions.
3. The airport security procedures were impersonal, treating every passenger with the same level of scrutiny.
4. The company's decision-making process felt impersonal, disregarding individual opinions or perspectives.
5. The email correspondence with the insurance company was frustratingly impersonal, lacking a personal touch or understanding of the situation.
6. The office environment felt cold and impersonal.
7. The automated response was disappointingly impersonal.
8. His writing style is often criticized as too impersonal.
9. The hotel's décor was modern but impersonal.
10. Online communication can sometimes feel impersonal.
11. The bureaucracy's procedures seemed unnecessarily impersonal.
12. The greeting was polite but came across as impersonal.
13. The corporate culture was rigid and impersonal.
14. The apartment's design was clean but impersonal.
15. The transaction felt entirely impersonal.
16. The teacher's feedback was constructive but impersonal.
17. The hospital's waiting room was stark and impersonal.
18. His speeches lacked the personal touch and felt impersonal.
19. The restaurant's service was efficient but impersonal.
20. The feedback from the boss was strangely impersonal.
21. The airport's architecture felt cold and impersonal.
22. The automated customer service was frustratingly impersonal.
23. The company's policies often seemed overly impersonal.
24. Her demeanor in meetings came across as impersonal.
25. The courtroom proceedings felt formal and impersonal.
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SAT 2 (Scholastic Assessment Test), High School 1, Demeanor and Bearing
aloof,clinical,detached,impartial,indifferent,objective,sterile
distant,formal,remote,unemotional,uninvolved
Synonyms for impersonal
Quiz categories containing impersonal
detached, personal, intimate, warm
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