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
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
Dear Martin
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Finally Heard
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"CLEP Principles of Management," Vocabulary from Chapter 2
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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.
The front-of-house staff always seem to be navigating the aftermath of a complicated breakup between two polycules, but the breakfast sandwich is truly good enough to make the interpersonal intrigue part of the charm.
From Salon ● Oct. 17, 2026
But the interpersonal violence is by no means certain, she says.
From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2026
We have to learn something from our last go-round, when social media did this giant experiment on our kids and left them de-skilled in conversation and in interpersonal relationships.
From Slate ● Sep. 29, 2026
Experts on interpersonal relationships say that a person can instantly assume someone is trustworthy who exudes warmth and confidence as a first impression — especially if they find the person attractive.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 23, 2026
But then he stumbled upon Martin’s definition of integration—“intergroup and interpersonal living”—and decided to just go with it.
From "Dear Martin" by Nic Stone
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
