What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
interpersonal
Example
She has excellent interpersonal skills and can easily connect with others. [interpersonal: adjective]
Example
Interpersonal communication is essential for building strong relationships. [interpersonal: noun]
relational
Example
The relational database stores information in tables that are connected by common fields. [relational: adjective]
Example
The success of any team depends on the relational dynamics between its members. [relational: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Interpersonal is more commonly used in the context of psychology, counseling, and communication studies, while relational is more commonly used in the context of business, technology, and social sciences.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between interpersonal and relational?
Both interpersonal and relational can be used in formal and informal contexts, but relational may be more commonly used in technical or academic writing.
