Impersonal vs. Personal: Difference and Comparison
By Muazma Batool & Muneeza Rehman — Published on May 20, 2024
Impersonal communication lacks personal elements and emotion, focusing on general information, while personal communication is direct and emotional, involving specific personal content.
Difference Between Impersonal and Personal
Impersonal communication typically refers to interactions that are detached and formal, where emotional involvement is minimal. On the other hand, personal communication involves emotional investment and often includes sharing of personal thoughts and feelings.
Muazma Batool
May 20, 2024
In impersonal communication, the language used is generic, aiming at an unspecified audience or group. Whereas in personal communication, the language is tailored to address a specific person or group, often using more colloquial and intimate language.
Muazma Batool
May 20, 2024
Impersonal communication is common in professional or mass media contexts, where information needs to be objective and broadly applicable. Conversely, personal communication is more prevalent in everyday conversations, personal letters, or messages where a closer relationship is involved.
Muazma Batool
May 20, 2024
The purpose of impersonal communication is often to inform, instruct, or persuade without revealing personal biases or emotions. On the other hand, personal communication aims to build relationships, express personal opinions, and evoke emotions.
Nolan
May 20, 2024
Impersonal communication can include written reports, news broadcasts, or official announcements, which do not engage the recipient on a personal level. In contrast, personal communication might involve face-to-face discussions, personal emails, or calls that engage individuals personally and emotionally.
Muazma Batool
May 20, 2024
Impersonal vs. Personal Comparison Chart
Emotional Involvement
Lacks emotional involvement
Includes emotional involvement
Muazma Batool
May 20, 2024
Common Contexts
Professional settings, mass media
Private conversations, personal messages
Muazma Batool
May 20, 2024
Audience Engagement
Does not engage the audience personally
Engages the audience on a personal level
Elijah
May 20, 2024
Impersonal vs. Personal Definitions
◉Impersonal
Not influenced by, showing, or involving personal feelings.
Impersonal judgments are often necessary in legal decisions.
Olivia
Apr 29, 2024
◉Personal
Pertaining to aspects of a person's private life.
Personal letters reveal much about their writer's character.
Nolan
Apr 29, 2024
◉Impersonal
Lacking personal elements; objective.
The impersonal tone of the email made it difficult to determine the sender's feelings.
Leo
Apr 29, 2024
◉Personal
Relating to the body or physical being.
Personal hygiene is crucial for good health.
Olivia
Apr 29, 2024
◉Impersonal
General, not relating to oneself.
The author discusses the themes in an impersonal context.
Muazma Batool
Apr 29, 2024
◉Personal
Of or relating to a particular person; private
“Like their personal lives, women's history is fragmented, interrupted” (Elizabeth Janeway).
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Personal
Done to or for or directed toward a particular person
A personal favor.
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Personal
Concerning a particular person and that person's private business, interests, or activities; intimate
I have something personal to tell you.
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Impersonal
Not responsive to or expressive of human personalities
A large, impersonal corporation.
Leo
Apr 27, 2024
◉Personal
Aimed pointedly at the most intimate aspects of a person, especially in a critical or hostile manner
An uncalled-for, highly personal remark.
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Impersonal
Of, relating to, or being a verb that expresses the action of an unspecified subject, as in methinks, "it seems to me"; Latin pluit, "it rains"; or, with an expletive subject, it snowed.
Jonathan
Apr 27, 2024
◉Personal
Tending to make remarks, or be unduly questioning, about another's affairs
As the student debate got heated, it got personal.
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Personal
Relating to or having the nature of a person or self-conscious being
Belief in a personal God.
Elijah
Apr 27, 2024
◉Impersonal
Lacking warmth or emotion; cold.
She sounded impersonal as she gave her report of the Nazi death camps.
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Personal
(Law) Of or relating to the person
Personal property as opposed to real property.
Personal jurisdiction as opposed to in rem jurisdiction.
Henry
Apr 27, 2024
◉Impersonal
Not having a subject, or having a third person pronoun without an antecedent.
The verb “rain” is impersonal in sentences like “It’s raining.”
Nolan
Apr 27, 2024
◉Impersonal
Not personal; not representing a person; not having personality.
An almighty but impersonal power, called Fate.
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Personal
Pertaining to persons (human beings as opposed to things or animals).
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Impersonal
Not relating to or responsive to individual persons;
An impersonal corporation
An impersonal remark
Lucas
Apr 27, 2024
◉Personal
Of or pertaining to a particular person; relating to, or affecting, an individual, or each of many individuals
Her song was her personal look at the values of friendship.
Personal values
Personal desire
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Personal
Dealing with subjects about which one wishes (or people usually wish) to maintain privacy or discretion; not for public view; sensitive, intimate.
You can't read my diary—it is personal.
That's a very personal question.
I can't believe you went through my drawers and looked at all my personal things!
Personal reasons
William
Apr 27, 2024
◉Impersonal
Not engaging the human personality or emotions.
The lecture was delivered in a surprisingly impersonal manner.
Henry
Apr 29, 2024
◉Personal
(euphemistic) Intended for sexual use.
Personal lubricant; personal massager
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Impersonal
Representing no particular person; anonymous.
The review was written in an impersonal style, focusing solely on the facts.
Muazma Batool
Apr 29, 2024
◉Personal
Pertaining to the external or bodily appearance; corporeal; bodily.
Personal charms
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Personal
Done in person; without an intermediary.
A personal interview
A personal meeting
Personal settings
Kaitlyn
Apr 27, 2024
◉Personal
Relating to an individual, their character, conduct, motives, or private affairs, in an invidious and offensive manner
Personal reflections or remarks
William
Apr 27, 2024
◉Personal
Denoting ownership.
One's personal vehicle, as opposed to a company vehicle
Nolan
Apr 27, 2024
◉Personal
An advertisement by which an individual attempts to meet others with similar interests.
Jonathan
Apr 27, 2024
◉Personal
Pertaining to human beings as distinct from things.
Every man so termed by way of personal difference.
William
Apr 27, 2024
◉Personal
Of or pertaining to a particular person; relating to, or affecting, an individual, or each of many individuals; peculiar or proper to private concerns; not public or general; as, personal comfort; personal desire.
The words are conditional, - If thou doest well, - and so personal to Cain.
William
Apr 27, 2024
◉Personal
Pertaining to the external or bodily appearance; corporeal; as, personal charms.
Olivia
Apr 27, 2024
◉Personal
Done in person; without the intervention of another.
The immediate and personal speaking of God.
Henry
Apr 27, 2024
◉Personal
Relating to an individual, his character, conduct, motives, or private affairs, in an invidious and offensive manner; as, personal reflections or remarks.
Lucas
Apr 27, 2024
◉Personal
Concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality;
A personal favor
For your personal use
Personal papers
I have something personal to tell you
A personal God
He has his personal bank account and she has hers
Nolan
Apr 27, 2024
◉Personal
Intimately concerning a person's body or physical being;
Personal hygiene
Muazma Batool
Apr 27, 2024
◉Personal
Relating to an individual; private.
He shared his personal experiences during the meeting.
Muazma Batool
Apr 29, 2024
◉Personal
Done in person without an intermediary.
She prefers to conduct interviews on a personal basis.
Lucas
Apr 29, 2024
◉Personal
Containing information or opinions about someone's private life.
Personal comments during a professional evaluation can be inappropriate.
Muazma Batool
Apr 29, 2024
Impersonal vs. Personal Frequently Asked Questions
How does personal communication differ in style?
Personal communication often uses informal, intimate language tailored to specific individuals or groups.
Muazma Batool
May 20, 2024
What defines impersonal communication?
Impersonal communication is characterized by a lack of personal elements and emotional detachment, often used in professional or formal contexts.
Muazma Batool
May 20, 2024
Why might someone choose impersonal communication?
Impersonal communication is chosen to maintain professionalism and objectivity, especially in formal settings.
Levi
May 20, 2024
What are examples of personal communication contexts?
Personal communication contexts include personal letters, face-to-face conversations, or personal emails.
Kaitlyn
May 20, 2024
Can personal communication be seen in professional settings?
Yes, personal communication can occur in professional settings, especially in small teams or close-knit company cultures.
Muazma Batool
May 20, 2024
What impact does impersonal communication have on audience engagement?
Impersonal communication generally has a lower level of audience engagement due to its lack of personal connection.
Muazma Batool
May 20, 2024
Can impersonal communication be effective in building relationships?
No, impersonal communication is not typically effective for building personal relationships as it lacks emotional depth.
Muazma Batool
May 20, 2024
How does the purpose of personal communication differ from impersonal?
The purpose of personal communication is to build relationships and express personal opinions, while impersonal aims to inform or instruct broadly.
William
May 20, 2024
How do businesses use impersonal communication?
Businesses often use impersonal communication for official announcements, public statements, or formal reports.
Henry
May 20, 2024
Is it possible for written communication to be personal?
Yes, written communication can be personal if it includes personal thoughts, feelings, or language that addresses someone directly.
Elijah
May 20, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
Co-written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
