Transfer: meaning, definitions and examples

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transfer

 

[ˈtrænsfər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

money

To move something or someone from one place to another.

Synonyms

move, relocate, shift.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
transfer

The word 'transfer' is repeated here, see the first entry for its description.

  • 1
  • He will transfer to a new school next semester
  • 2
  • The data transfer was completed in record time
move

General term used for changing the position of something or someone. It is commonly used in various contexts, from everyday situations to more formal ones.

  • 1
  • We are planning to move to a new city next month
  • 2
  • Could you help me move this table to the other room?
shift

Usually used to describe a slight or partial change in position. It can also imply a change in approach, focus, or direction.

  • 1
  • She shifted her position slightly to get more comfortable
  • 2
  • The company needs to shift its focus to digital marketing
relocate

Typically used in more formal or professional settings to indicate moving to a new place, often over a considerable distance. It is frequently associated with job-related moves.

  • 1
  • The company offered to cover the costs if I relocate to the new branch
  • 2
  • They decided to relocate to the coast for a better lifestyle

Examples of usage

  • He transferred the money from his savings account to his checking account.
  • She transferred the files from her computer to a USB drive.
  • We need to transfer the goods to the warehouse before the end of the day.
Context #2 | Noun

transport

An act of moving something or someone from one place to another.

Synonyms

movement, relocation, transportation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
transfer

Use when referring to the act of moving someone or something from one place to another, especially in the context of jobs, money, or data.

  • She requested a transfer to the New York office
  • The funds will be transferred to your account within three business days
movement

General term used for a person or thing changing its position or location, often used in physical, social, or political contexts.

  • There was a lot of movement in the crowd during the concert
  • The peace movement has gained a lot of support lately
transportation

Refers to the act of moving people or goods from one place to another using vehicles like cars, buses, trains, etc.

  • Public transportation in the city is very efficient
  • The transportation of goods between the two countries has increased
relocation

Specifically refers to the act of moving to a new place to live or work, often used in the context of companies or individuals changing their primary location.

  • The company’s relocation to a bigger office downtown will happen next month
  • Her relocation to another city was a major change in her life

Examples of usage

  • The transfer of goods from the factory to the distribution center was smooth.
  • He arranged for a transfer of the patient to a different hospital.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Latin 'transferre', where 'trans-' means 'across' and 'ferre' means 'to carry'.
  • In English, it first appeared in the late 14th century, initially meaning to carry across.
  • Throughout history, its meaning adapted to include a variety of contexts like money, information, and physical objects.

Science

  • In physics, transfer often refers to the movement of energy or heat from one object to another.
  • In biology, the term describes how nutrients or signals can move between cells or organisms.
  • The concept of transfer also applies to the study of genetics, referring to the movement of DNA or genes during reproduction.

Education

  • The term 'transfer of learning' describes how knowledge or skills developed in one context can be applied to another.
  • Educational institutions often discuss criteria for the transfer of academic credits from one school to another.
  • Teachers aim for effective transfer to ensure students can use their knowledge in real-world situations.

Technology

  • In computing, transferring data can happen over networks, such as sending files from one computer to another.
  • Mobile apps frequently use transfer functions to move information between devices, like sending photos through Bluetooth.
  • The concept of transfer is crucial for cybersecurity, particularly in how data is securely moved or backed up.

Pop Culture

  • In popular music, a transfer might refer to moving a song from one album to another or a mashup that blends songs together.
  • Films often showcase dramatic transfers of power or property, such as heirs receiving land or wealth.
  • The idea of transferring experiences is prevalent in movies where characters exchange knowledge or skills in memorable scenes.

Translations

Translations of the word "transfer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 transferir

🇮🇳 स्थानांतरण

🇩🇪 übertragen

🇮🇩 transfer

🇺🇦 передавати

🇵🇱 przenieść

🇯🇵 転送 (てんそう)

🇫🇷 transférer

🇪🇸 transferir

🇹🇷 aktarmak

🇰🇷 전송 (jeonsong)

🇸🇦 نقل

🇨🇿 převod

🇸🇰 previesť

🇨🇳 转移 (zhuǎnyí)

🇸🇮 prenesti

🇮🇸 flytja

🇰🇿 аудару

🇬🇪 გადაცემა

🇦🇿 köçürmək

🇲🇽 transferir

Word Frequency Rank

At #981 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.