intrapersonal

[ in-truh-pur-suh-nl ]

adjective

1. existing or occurring within the self or within one's mind: Intrapersonal conflict can lead to emotional stress.

   People with high intrapersonal intelligence are aware of their strengths and weaknesses.

   Intrapersonal conflict can lead to emotional stress.

Word History and Origins

Origin of intrapersonal¹

First recorded in 1905–10; intra- ( def ) + personal ( def )

Example Sentences

Dion Terrelonge, a fashion psychologist based in London, spoke about the “interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships” we have with our clothing.

From Salon

The top 37 characteristics were then grouped into six domains: intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, organizational, policy, and environment.

From Science Daily

The long-running medical drama is all about love triangles and the intrapersonal relationships between doctors at Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital.

From Salon

Additionally, there are intellectual abilities that cannot be measured by IQ tests "such as athletic, naturalistic, intrapersonal, interpersonal, existential abilities. Some autistic individuals may struggle interpersonally, while they can be very good in science and mathematics."

From Salon

Beckmann’s results show that intrapersonal variability fluctuates systematically by context regardless of which person is evaluating it.

From Scientific American

Related Words

• internal

More About Intrapersonal

What does intrapersonal mean?

Intrapersonal means “within a person,” that is, taking place within one person’s self or mind.

It’s not to be confused with interpersonal, which refers to something occurring “between people.”

Example: Your intrapersonal awareness is very strong, but there’s such a thing as too much self-examination.

Where does intrapersonal come from?

Intrapersonal is attested by the early 1900s. It’s composed of the prefix intra-, from the Latin preposition meaning “within, inside,” and personal, the adjective form of person, ultimately from Latin persōnālis. Early on it was written intra-personal, but the hyphen is usually dropped today.

Intrapersonal is an important term in psychology to describe factors impacting people that come from within themselves, such as attitudes, self-esteem, self-regulation, and decision-making. It is commonly used in the phrase intrapersonal communication. This includes one’s inner monologue—that voice in your own head, that debate between the devil on one shoulder and the angel on the other.

Don’t mistake intrapersonal (“within-self”) communication with interpersonal, which refers to relationships or communication inter- (“between”) people.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms of intrapersonal?

• intrapersonally (adverb)

What are some synonyms for intrapersonal?

• intrapsychic
• intrasubjective

What are some words that share a root or word element with intrapersonal?

• extrapersonal
• impersonal
• intramural
• intravenous
• intrinsic

What are some words that often get used in discussing intrapersonal?

• cognitive
• communication
• internal 
• mental
• skills
• subjective

What are some words intrapersonal may be commonly confused with?

• interpersonal

How is intrapersonal used in real life?

Intrapersonal is most commonly used in psychology, communication studies, and education. It occasionally crops up in your everyday life in work contexts, such as during trainings and meetings, or in personal contexts when people are discussing relationships and self-reflection.

On “intrapersonal skills”:

Without intrapersonal skills, there is no personal sustainability. Period.#IntrapersonalSkills #ProactiveMentalWellness pic.twitter.com/lkKaYIvVOf

— Wellness Orbit (@Wellness_Orbit) September 10, 2019

A joke about intrapersonal and interpersonal:

Intrapersonal skill lvl 99999999999999

Interpersonal skill lvl
.5

😩

— ◡̈ luv (@myHeartbeatBTS7) September 14, 2019

Intrapersonal in psychology:

"Patients typically do not only come to therapy to obtain relief from symptoms, but also to address other personal problems, which may include going back to work, solving intrapersonal issues, being a better parent, or stopping the fights with their partner or their boss" https://t.co/XUFHgpgR8I

— H.M. Pettersen (@HMPettersen2) September 9, 2019

Try using intrapersonal!

Identify whether or not intrapersonal is being used correctly in these two sentences:

1. She has great intrapersonal skills—you can tell by how well she gets along with everyone.
2. Intrapersonal communication is important for strong mental health; you have to understand yourself to address your inner problems.