What does nonpersonal mean?
Nonpersonal means that something is not personal, person-specific, or focused on an individual. The word can describe language, rules, communication, data, conduct, or criticism that avoids singling out particular people or expressing personal feelings. For example, a nonpersonal policy treats all members of a group consistently, while nonpersonal criticism addresses the substance of an argument without directing personal remarks at its author. The expression has a formal, neutral tone and is especially useful when discussing institutional procedures, standardized documents, or impartial communication. It overlaps with impersonal but often places greater emphasis on being general or independent of any one person. In personal and legal contexts, nonpersonal may also imply a deliberate separation from personal interest, emotion, or involvement. Although not especially colorful, it is a precise word for describing conduct, information, or standards that do not privilege or target a particular individual.
adjectiveNot personal or person-specific; not relating to, directed at, or intended for a particular individual.
- Not personal or connected with a particular person.
- Not directed toward, intended for, or concerned with an individual.
- Not involving or characterized by personal feelings or attention.
"The policy is written in deliberately nonpersonal language so that it applies equally to everyone."
"The policy is written in deliberately nonpersonal language so that it applies equally to everyone."
"Her critique focused on the research methods and remained nonpersonal rather than singling out any member of the team."
In a culture built around personal branding, nonpersonal offers a useful escape hatch from the individual spotlight.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nonpersonal come from?
The word is formed in English from the combining form non-, meaning “not,” and personal, an adjective derived from Latin personalis. Personal ultimately comes from Latin persona, originally a mask and later a role, character, or person. The same Latin root underlies English words such as person, personality, and personify. Nonpersonal developed as a straightforward negative form expressing the absence of a personal or individualized character.
How nonpersonal is actually used
The word is formal and relatively uncommon in everyday speech. It is often used of rules, policies, language, communication, data, or treatment intended to apply without personal bias or individualized focus.
Easily confused with nonpersonal
Both words can mean lacking personal feeling or individualized attention, but nonpersonal more broadly emphasizes that something is not person-specific.
Transpersonal describes experiences or practices that extend beyond the individual self, whereas nonpersonal usually means simply not connected with a particular person.