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Showing results for interpersonal. Search instead for private personal.
Synonyms

interpersonal

American  
[in-ter-pur-suh-nl] / ˌɪn tərˈpɜr sə nl /

adjective

  1. 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.

  2. 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.


interpersonal British  
/ ˌɪntəˈpɜːsənəl /

adjective

  1. between persons; involving personal relationships

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • interpersonally adverb

Etymology

Origin of interpersonal

First recorded in 1835–45; inter- + personal

Compare meaning

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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.

“But that connection isn’t a replacement for human connection. It gives the illusion of being close, but without real interpersonal interaction.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

Maybe check-ins or small requests can be handled in a group chat, but interpersonal issues or big decisions need to happen over the phone, Zoom or in person, and right away.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

"We need to start a discourse about how we as a society -- through our norms, structural factors, and interpersonal relationships -- address the challenges of aging."

From Science Daily • Feb. 26, 2026

In his case, he turned to the chatbot for some guidance through interpersonal issues, but within a few exchanges, the bot’s responses were so validating that he became hooked.

From Slate • Feb. 2, 2026

The harm done by this social silence is more than interpersonal.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander