impersonal etymology

Etymology

  • Latin: impersonal
  • French: impersonnel
  • Origin: From Latin in- ("not") + personal ("personal")

Meaning and Origin

The word "impersonal" was coined in the 16th century in the context of grammar to describe verbs that do not have a clearly defined or expressed subject. These verbs are often used to describe general truths, states of being, or natural phenomena, such as "it rains" or "the earth revolves around the sun."

The impersonal form of a verb is typically formed by using the third-person singular form of the verb (e.g., "it rains") or by using the passive voice (e.g., "the earth is revolving around the sun"). In some languages, impersonal verbs may also have their own dedicated grammatical form.

Impersonal constructions are commonly used in a variety of contexts, including:

  • Meteorological reports: (e.g., "It is raining.")
  • Scientific statements: (e.g., "It is important to wear sunscreen.")
  • Philosophical discussions: (e.g., "It seems like the universe is eternal.")
  • Legal documents: (e.g., "It is hereby ordered that... ")

In addition to its grammatical meaning, "impersonal" can also be used in a more general sense to refer to something that is not personal or subjective. For example, someone might describe a person as being "impersonal" if they do not show much emotion or empathy.

impersonal relate terms

  • personal

    Etymology The term personal etymology is not a standard linguistic term However it ca

  • person

    Etymology Latin persona meaning mask or character in a play Meaning An indiv

  • impersonality

    Etymology Latin impersonalis without a person French impersonnel impersonal

  • impersonal

    Etymology Latin impersonal French impersonnel Origin From Latin in not persona

  • enemy

    Etymology The word enemy comes from the Old French word ennemi which in turn is der

  • neutral

    Etymology The word neutral comes from the Latin word neuter which means neither on

  • hunger

    Etymology The word hunger comes from the Old English word hungor which is derived f

  • columnist

    Etymology The word columnist comes from the Latin word columna meaning pillar or

  • like

    Etymology is the study of the origin of words and how their meaning has changed over time

  • selection

    Etymology The word selection comes from the Old French word selectiōn which in turn

  • experiment

    Etymology Latin experimentum trial proof Proto Indo European sper to ask inq

  • copacetic

    Etymology The word copacetic is believed to originate from two possible sources Cop