transference: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “transference” mean?
The action of transferring something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action of transferring something; the process by which feelings, desires, or unconscious thoughts are shifted from one person or thing to another.
In psychoanalysis, the redirection of a patient's feelings for a significant person (e.g., a parent) onto the therapist. In broader contexts, it can refer to the movement or application of any quality, skill, or substance from one context to another.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. The spelling is consistent. Usage is equally technical in both variants.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be encountered in general academic or business contexts in British English, while in American English it is strongly associated with psychotherapy.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech in both variants. Higher frequency in professional and academic texts.
Grammar
How to Use “transference” in a Sentence
transference of [something] to [someone/something]transference from [source] to [target]experience/handle/analyse (the) transferenceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “transference” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The feelings were transferred onto the new manager.
- He transferred his allegiance to the opposing team.
American English
- She transferred the files to the cloud server.
- The patient transferred his unresolved anger onto his therapist.
adverb
British English
- The emotion was transferred unconsciously.
- The skills were transferred successfully to the new project.
American English
- Funds were transferred electronically.
- Her anxiety transferred directly onto her colleagues.
adjective
British English
- The transference process was key to understanding the dynamic.
- They discussed the transference relationship in supervision.
American English
- A transference reaction was evident during the session.
- The legal document outlined the transference agreement.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the legal or administrative process of moving assets, rights, or funds. Example: 'The transference of intellectual property rights was detailed in the contract.'
Academic
Used in psychology, sociology, and education to describe the transfer of knowledge, feelings, or patterns of behaviour. Example: 'The study examined the transference of problem-solving skills across disciplines.'
Everyday
Rarely used in casual conversation. Might be used in formal discussions about moving house or changing jobs. Example: 'The transference of our utilities to the new address was surprisingly smooth.'
Technical
Central term in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy describing the patient's projection of feelings onto the therapist. Example: 'The therapist noted a strong paternal transference emerging in the sessions.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “transference”
Strong
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “transference”
- Using 'transference' as a synonym for any simple 'transfer' (e.g., 'the transference of data' sounds overly technical).
- Confusing 'transference' with 'translation' or 'transformation'.
- Pronouncing it as /ˈtræns.fər.əns/ (stress on first syllable) instead of /trænsˈfɜː.rəns/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While related, 'transfer' is a general verb/noun for moving something. 'Transference' is a more formal noun focusing on the process, mechanism, or psychological phenomenon of transferring, especially emotions and unconscious patterns.
Yes. In psychology, 'positive transference' occurs when a patient projects positive feelings (like affection, trust) onto the therapist, which can be a useful tool in therapy. 'Negative transference' involves projecting hostile or negative feelings.
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word. In most everyday situations, 'transfer' is perfectly adequate. Use 'transference' when you specifically want to sound formal or refer to the psychological concept.
The related concept is 'countertransference', which is the therapist's emotional reaction to the patient, influenced by the therapist's own unconscious feelings.
The action of transferring something.
Transference is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Transference: in British English it is pronounced /trænsˈfɜː.rəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /trænsˈfɝː.əns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specifically for this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of TRANSFERENCE as a fancy TRANSFER of feelings or thoughts, where the '-ence' ending signals it's the noun form of the process.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTIONS/IDEAS ARE OBJECTS THAT CAN BE MOVED (from one person/place to another). THERAPY IS A CONTAINER FOR OLD RELATIONSHIPS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'transference' MOST specifically and technically defined?