interpersonal

[ in-ter-pur-suh-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

/ ˌɪntəˈpɜːsənəl /

adjective

1. between persons; involving personal relationships

Other Words From

• in·ter·per·son·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of interpersonal¹

First recorded in 1835–45; inter- + personal

Example Sentences

Court documents also indicate that Holmes was evaluated by a psychologist who specializes in violence against women and interpersonal violence, leading to speculation that her attorneys could mount a mental defect defense.

From Washington Post

Some people are even what Andersen calls “touch avoidant,” meaning they often find interpersonal touch stressful instead of pleasurable.

From Popular-Science

The interpersonal dynamics heighten the stakes, showing how tense a situation can get even when you’re alongside your best friend.

From Outside Online

Our emphasis on individual achievement, and our neglect of interpersonal cohesion, means that we are failing to reap the rich benefits of the group mind.

From Search Engine Land

At the expense of thinking about class, and capitalism, we have instead this emphasis on interpersonal privilege.

From Time

Tourism has built my confidence [and] improved my interpersonal skills.

From The Daily Beast

Other, larger considerations inevitably intervened—spiritual, interpersonal, socio-political.

From The Daily Beast

There are specialties where interpersonal skills can take a backseat without harm to patient well-being.

From The Daily Beast

It's a show with gay characters, but their issues are work, relationships, interpersonal.

From The Daily Beast

This 27-inch “interpersonal computer” allows four people to use it simultaneously.

From The Daily Beast

The intention to care, to nurture the other as caring, is expressed in interpersonal ways as well as in technological competence.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus problem solving involves both the physical world and the interpersonal world.

From Project Gutenberg

Many ordinary problems involve not only physical, concrete parts but also interpersonal elements.

From Project Gutenberg

Students should have strategies for managing interpersonal relationships, both good and bad.

From Project Gutenberg

Character traits and values are discussed in the section on interpersonal relationships.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• social