impersonally
gb/ɪmpɚsənəli/ us/ɪmpɚsənəli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
C1
property
1
in a detached, objective way
In a way that is not personal or emotional.
Usage pattern:
[do something] impersonally
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use *impersonal* (adjective) where *impersonally* (adverb) is needed: “He spoke impersonal” → “He spoke impersonally.”
Synonyms
objectively (Emphasizes being guided by facts rather than feelings.)
|
detachedly (Highlights emotional distance or lack of involvement.)
|
coldly (Suggests a lack of warmth or kindness.)
Antonyms
personally (In a way that involves personal feelings, relationships, or direct personal involvement.)
|
warmly (In a friendly and emotionally engaged way.)
Collocations
speak impersonally
|respond impersonally
|write impersonally
|deal with someone impersonally
|treat someone impersonally
|handle something impersonally
|address someone impersonally
|communicate impersonally
|discuss something impersonally
|judge something impersonally
Themes
communication
|emotions
|workplace
Examples
- The manager spoke impersonally, as if reading from a script.
- Complaints are handled impersonally through an online form.
- Try to evaluate the situation impersonally instead of getting upset.
Learner examples
- He answered impersonally.
- The email was written impersonally.
adverb
technical
C2
rule
2
using an impersonal grammar construction
Using a grammar form without a real subject, often with “it.”
Usage pattern:
[verb] is used impersonally
Common mistake:
This meaning is about grammar, not about being emotionally distant.
Antonyms
personally (In grammar, with a personal subject (e.g., “I/you/he/she” rather than dummy “it”).)
Collocations
be used impersonally
|use a verb impersonally
|construe impersonally
|impersonally constructed
|impersonally expressed
Themes
language
|grammar
Examples
- In English, “seem” can be used impersonally, as in “It seems that she’s right.”
- Some languages allow “need” to be expressed impersonally.
- The passive is sometimes used to express ideas impersonally in formal writing.
Grammar
Dictionary form
impersonally
IPA
GB/ɪmpɚsənəli/
US/ɪmpɚsənəli/
Syllables & stress
im - per - son - ally (4 syllables)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: impersonally
- Plural: impersonallies
Word family
Forms
impersonallies
noun
Core family
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
impersonal
adjective B2
Advanced or less common
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.