impersonality

American  

[im-pur-suh-nal-i-tee] / ɪmˌpɜr səˈnæl ɪ ti /

noun

impersonalities plural

1. absence of human character or of the traits associated with the human character.

   He feared the impersonality of a mechanized world.

2. absence or reduction of concern for individual needs or desires.

   the impersonality of a very large institution.

3. lack of emotional involvement.

   His work reflected a certain impersonality.

4. lack of a personal agent or of a known personal agent.

   the impersonality of folk art.

5. the quality of not being concerned with particular persons.

   the impersonality and universality of his interests.

6. something that is impersonal.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• impersonalities
  plural

Etymology

Origin of impersonality

First recorded in 1760–70; impersonal + -ity

Example Sentences

"Impersonality, by lessening the interest in one's self, induces one to take interest in others."

From Evolution Of The Japanese, Social And Psychic by Gulick, Sidney Lewis

Impersonality, a sort of idiocy which is peculiar to me, is making a noticeable progress.

From The George Sand-Gustave Flaubert Letters by McKenzie, Aimée G. Leffingwel

An order may go forth from that nebulous and distant Impersonality, the British Government, to the effect that a certain child is not to be dedicated to gods during her minority.

From Lotus Buds by Carmichael, Amy

"Impersonality" is not only the occasion, it is the cause of the politeness of the Japanese people.

From Evolution Of The Japanese, Social And Psychic by Gulick, Sidney Lewis

If with us the I seems to be of the very essence of the soul, then the soul of the Far East may be said to be Impersonality.

From The Soul of the Far East by Lowell, Percival