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Transference: meaning, definitions and examples

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transference

 

[træns'fɜːrəns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

psychology

The unconscious redirection of feelings from one person to another, commonly seen in therapy sessions.

Synonyms

displacement, projection, substitution.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
transference

Used in psychology, particularly in therapy, when emotions originally associated with one person are unconsciously redirected to another person.

  • The patient showed a lot of transference towards the therapist during the sessions.
  • Transference can significantly affect the therapeutic relationship.
projection

In psychology, it refers to attributing one's own undesirable thoughts or emotions to someone else, often has a negative connotation.

  • She accused him of being angry, but it was a projection of her own feelings.
  • Projection can cause misunderstandings in relationships.
substitution

Refers to replacing one element with another, can be used in various contexts, such as daily language, psychology, sports, and more.

  • He used a cheaper material as a substitution for the original.
  • In sports, player substitution happens to bring freshness to the game.
displacement

Occurs when emotions are shifted from their original target to a safer or more acceptable substitute, can be used in psychology and general language.

  • He experienced displacement of his anger, which he expressed towards his coworkers instead of his boss.
  • Displacement is a common defense mechanism.

Examples of usage

  • Transference occurs when a patient projects their feelings about someone else onto the therapist.
  • In therapy, transference can be a useful tool to explore underlying emotions and patterns.
Context #2 | Noun

linguistics

The process of shifting a sound or speech element from one position to another within a word.

Synonyms

relocation, shift, transfer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
transference

Use in psychological or academic contexts where an attribute or emotion is transferred from one person to another.

  • The therapist noted a transference of feelings from the patient towards him.
  • Transference of skills between disciplines can enhance learning and innovation.
shift

Best used in contexts of change, especially when referring to minor or gradual changes in position, direction, or emphasis.

  • There was a noticeable shift in the company's marketing strategy.
  • The tectonic plates have been observed to shift over time.
transfer

Commonly used when something is moving from one place or person to another, can be tangible or intangible, and often implies a completed action.

  • She needed to transfer money to her friend's account.
  • He transferred to a new department within the company.
relocation

Used when talking about moving people, animals, or things from one place to another in a more permanent or semi-permanent manner.

  • The relocation of the wildlife to a safer area was necessary.
  • Her job required a relocation to a new city.

Examples of usage

  • Transference of sounds often occurs in loanwords borrowed from other languages.
  • Linguistic transference can lead to the adaptation of pronunciation in borrowed words.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Originally described by Sigmund Freud, this concept explains how patients transfer emotions from one person to another during therapy.
  • Transference can lead to breakthroughs in therapy, allowing therapists to understand patients' past relationships and conflicts.
  • There are different types of transference, including positive, where feelings are idealized, and negative, where feelings are critical.

Historical Origins

  • The term emerged in psychoanalysis in the early 20th century, forming a core component of Freudian theory.
  • Freud initially noticed this phenomenon while treating patients, particularly in their responses to him as their therapist.
  • Throughout history, the concept has evolved, influencing modern therapeutic practices and expanding to other fields.

Literature

  • Authors often use transference in character relationships, where one character’s feelings mirror those from their past, enriching the narrative.
  • In classic literature, characters can project their feelings onto others, creating conflict and deeper emotional resonance.
  • The theme highlights how past traumas or attachments influence current relationships in various literary works.

Pop Culture

  • Film and television portray transference in plots where characters develop feelings for therapists or figures who remind them of significant past figures.
  • Content creators often explore this theme to depict relatable struggles with love and attachment.
  • Psychological thrillers sometimes use transference to create tension between characters, adding depth to emotional connections.

Translations

Translations of the word "transference" in other languages:

🇵🇹 transferência

🇮🇳 स्थानांतरण

🇩🇪 Übertragung

🇮🇩 transferensi

🇺🇦 передача

🇵🇱 przeniesienie

🇯🇵 転送 (てんそう)

🇫🇷 transfert

🇪🇸 transferencia

🇹🇷 aktarım

🇰🇷 전이 (jeon-i)

🇸🇦 نقل (naql)

🇨🇿 přenos

🇸🇰 prenos

🇨🇳 传递 (chuándì)

🇸🇮 prenos

🇮🇸 flutningur

🇰🇿 ауыстыру

🇬🇪 გადაცემა (gadacema)

🇦🇿 ötürmə

🇲🇽 transferencia

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,597, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.