Personal vs. Interpersonal: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 7, 2023
Personal pertains to an individual, while Interpersonal relates to interactions between individuals.
Key Differences
Personal and Interpersonal, while both involving individuals, focus on different aspects. Personal zeroes in on a single individual, their feelings, characteristics, and experiences. It's the realm of self-awareness, introspection, and individuality. For example, personal beliefs, personal items, or personal space all revolve around the singular entity – the individual.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Interpersonal, on the other hand, navigates the space between individuals. It concerns the relationships, communications, and interactions that occur when two or more people engage with each other. Interpersonal skills, for instance, refer to one's ability to communicate or interact effectively with others. Where Personal might delve into one's inner monologue, Interpersonal explores the dialogue between people.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Interestingly, the prefix "inter-" in Interpersonal provides a hint. It means "between," pointing to the relational aspect of the word. Personal might examine one's personal growth or journey, but Interpersonal would look at how an individual connects, relates, or communicates with others.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
To sum it up, Personal is all about the individual – their thoughts, feelings, and possessions. Interpersonal, in contrast, shifts the focus from the individual to the space between individuals, emphasizing relationships and interactions.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Context Usage
Describing individual experiences or possessions
Describing relationships or interactions between people
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Example Situation
Reflecting on personal feelings
Building interpersonal relationships at a workplace
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Personal and Interpersonal Definitions
Personal
Of or relating to a particular person; private
“Like their personal lives, women's history is fragmented, interrupted” (Elizabeth Janeway).
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
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Interpersonal
Of or relating to the interactions between individuals
Interpersonal skills.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Interpersonal
Existing or occurring between individuals
Interpersonal communication or conflict.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Personal
Done to or for or directed toward a particular person
A personal favor.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
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Personal
Concerning a particular person and that person's private business, interests, or activities; intimate
I have something personal to tell you.
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Jan 07, 2023
Interpersonal
Occurring among or involving several people;
Interpersonal situations in which speech occurs
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Personal
Aimed pointedly at the most intimate aspects of a person, especially in a critical or hostile manner
An uncalled-for, highly personal remark.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Personal
Tending to make remarks, or be unduly questioning, about another's affairs
As the student debate got heated, it got personal.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Personal
Relating to or having the nature of a person or self-conscious being
Belief in a personal God.
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Jan 07, 2023
Personal
(Law) Of or relating to the person
Personal property as opposed to real property.
Personal jurisdiction as opposed to in rem jurisdiction.
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Jan 07, 2023
Personal
Personals A column in a newspaper or magazine featuring personal notices.
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Jan 07, 2023
Personal
Pertaining to persons (human beings as opposed to things or animals).
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Personal
Of or pertaining to a particular person; relating to, or affecting, an individual, or each of many individuals
Her song was her personal look at the values of friendship.
Personal values
Personal desire
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Personal
Dealing with subjects about which one wishes (or people usually wish) to maintain privacy or discretion; not for public view; sensitive, intimate.
You can't read my diary—it is personal.
That's a very personal question.
I can't believe you went through my drawers and looked at all my personal things!
Personal reasons
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Personal
(euphemistic) Intended for sexual use.
Personal lubricant; personal massager
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Jan 07, 2023
Personal
Pertaining to the external or bodily appearance; corporeal; bodily.
Personal charms
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Personal
Done in person; without an intermediary.
A personal interview
A personal meeting
Personal settings
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Personal
Relating to an individual, their character, conduct, motives, or private affairs, in an invidious and offensive manner
Personal reflections or remarks
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Jan 07, 2023
Personal
Denoting ownership.
One's personal vehicle, as opposed to a company vehicle
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Jan 07, 2023
Personal
An advertisement by which an individual attempts to meet others with similar interests.
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Jan 07, 2023
Personal
Pertaining to human beings as distinct from things.
Every man so termed by way of personal difference.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Personal
Of or pertaining to a particular person; relating to, or affecting, an individual, or each of many individuals; peculiar or proper to private concerns; not public or general; as, personal comfort; personal desire.
The words are conditional, - If thou doest well, - and so personal to Cain.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Personal
Pertaining to the external or bodily appearance; corporeal; as, personal charms.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Personal
Done in person; without the intervention of another.
The immediate and personal speaking of God.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Personal
Relating to an individual, his character, conduct, motives, or private affairs, in an invidious and offensive manner; as, personal reflections or remarks.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Personal
Concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality;
A personal favor
For your personal use
Personal papers
I have something personal to tell you
A personal God
He has his personal bank account and she has hers
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Personal
Intimately concerning a person's body or physical being;
Personal hygiene
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Jan 07, 2023
Personal
Relating to an individual.
My personal opinion is that we should go ahead.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Personal
Private or confidential.
This is a personal matter; please keep it to yourself.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Personal
Referring to possessions.
I don't touch other people's personal items.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Personal
Concerning one's own life.
He took the criticism as a personal attack.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
Personal
Distinctive to a particular individual.
She has her personal way of doing things.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
FAQs
Are personal items shared?
Typically, personal items are private to an individual, but they can choose to share them.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Can personal beliefs affect interpersonal relationships?
Absolutely, one's personal beliefs can influence how they interact with others.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Do Personal and Interpersonal mean the same thing?
No, Personal relates to an individual, while Interpersonal concerns interactions between individuals.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Is a personal diary interpersonal?
Typically, a personal diary is private, focusing on individual experiences, not interpersonal ones.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Can someone have good personal skills but poor interpersonal skills?
Yes, someone might understand themselves well (personal) but struggle in interactions with others (interpersonal).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Can you have interpersonal feelings?
Yes, they'd be feelings about or between other people, like empathy or understanding.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Is communication an interpersonal skill?
Yes, communication is a key interpersonal skill, aiding interactions between people.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Are all interpersonal interactions verbal?
No, they can be non-verbal as well, such as through body language.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
How can one improve their interpersonal abilities?
Through communication training, empathy exercises, and actively building relationships.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Can personal preferences impact interpersonal dynamics?
Yes, individual likes and dislikes can influence group interactions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Is teamwork an interpersonal activity?
Absolutely, teamwork involves communication and collaboration between individuals.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Is personal growth related to interpersonal skills?
They can be linked. Personal growth can enhance one's interpersonal abilities and vice versa.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
Can personal experiences shape interpersonal understanding?
Yes, personal experiences can influence how one relates to or understands others.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Can you have personal space in an interpersonal setting?
Yes, even in group settings, individuals might need personal space or boundaries.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
Can personal achievements boost interpersonal relations?
Yes, personal success can positively affect one's interactions and relationships with others.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Is self-reflection a personal or interpersonal activity?
It's personal, as it involves looking inwardly at one's own thoughts and feelings.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Are all relationships interpersonal?
At their core, yes. Relationships involve interactions and connections between individuals.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
What's more critical, personal values or interpersonal harmony?
Both are important, and they often influence one another.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
Is personal identity separate from interpersonal identity?
They're related but distinct. Personal identity is about self-perception, while interpersonal identity concerns how one fits within a group or relationship.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
Do interpersonal conflicts always stem from personal issues?
Not always, but personal issues can be a factor in interpersonal conflicts.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
