interpersonal
Americanadjective
-
of or pertaining to the relations between persons.
As a leader goes higher in an organization, commonly their technical skills are called upon less and less, while their interpersonal skills become more important.
-
existing or occurring between persons.
It is unlikely that someone with paranoia will thrive in interpersonal relationships.
She is trained and certified in the treatment of emotional trauma resulting from interpersonal violence.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of interpersonal
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How does interpersonal compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Interpersonal refers to something involving, or occurring among several people. Interpersonal skills refer to our ability to get along with others. The adjective interpersonal really only has one meaning, so when you hear this word, you know you're hearing about interactions between people. Sometimes corporations find it useful to train their employees on any interpersonal skills they may be lacking, especially if they have a group of really socially awkward people, because it really does make the work environment a lot easier if your coworkers all get along with one another.
Vocabulary lists containing interpersonal
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This essay is adapted from Kate Murphy’s new book,“Why We Click: The Emerging Science of Interpersonal Synchrony,” which will be published by Celadon Books on Jan. 27.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026
Those findings are supported by a study Kivisto published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence earlier this year.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 6, 2021
Interpersonal risks are the easiest to avoid, especially in the face of a thriving, successful and stressful career, but a full life is a living work of art in itself.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 23, 2021
What has completely knocked me out: Interpersonal drama gets wild.
From Slate • Oct. 9, 2017
Interpersonal skills were a big part of it, though nothing like the IPC skills the Academy had described to us.
From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
