adj.
Pronunciation: ( ˌ )im- ' p ə rs-n ə l, - ' p ə r-s ə -n ə l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin impersonalis, from Latin in- + Late Latin personalis personal
Date: 15th century
1 a : denoting the verbal action of an unspecified agent and hence used with no expressed subject (as methinks ) or with a merely formal subject (as rained in it rained ) b of a pronoun : INDEFINITE
2 a : having no personal reference or connection < impersonal criticism> b : not engaging the human personality or emotions <the machine as compared with the hand tool is an impersonal agency ― John Dewey> c : not existing as a person : not having human qualities or characteristics
– im · per · son · al · i · ty \ - ˌ p ə r-s ə - ' na-l ə -t ē \ noun
– im · per · son · al · ly \ - ' p ə rs-n ə -l ē , - ' p ə r-s ə -n ə -l ē \ adverb