Definition of impersonal

The word "impersonal" originally entered the English language in the 17th century, deriving from the Latin adjective "impersonālis," meaning "belonging to no one" or "unchanged." In Roman times, "impersonālis" was used to refer to inanimate objects that did not have a personal identity or feelings. In linguistics, the term "impersonal" is used to describe a grammatical structure that does not shift the subject and verb in response to changes in the agent or actor of the sentence. For example, in the Spanish sentence "Se lluvió yesterdá" ("Yesterday, it rained"), the pronoun "se" (it/they) is used instead of a specific noun to indicate that the action is impersonal and affects everyone or everything equally. In philosophy, the concept of impersonality is a counterpoint to the concept of personality or individuality. It denotes a lack of distinct characteristics, identifying features, or personal identity. In this sense, some philosophers use the term "impersonal" to describe events, ideas, or experiences that are universal, objective, or disinterested. In other areas of study, such as psychology and sociology, "impersonal" can represent detachment, objectivity, or lack of emotion in interpersonal relationships, decision-making, or communication. However, it is essential to note that the meaning of the word "impersonal" can vary depending on the context and the discipline.