the transference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the transference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to psychology, therapy, or the transfer of information or feelings from one person or situation to another. Example: "In therapy, the transference of emotions from the patient to the therapist can provide valuable insights into their relationship patterns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is called the transference.

The Guardian - Books

But there's no anxiety in the transference.

The New York Times - Arts

Take the theory of the transference.

The New York Times - Books

"You have the transference issue with the surrogate mother.

The New York Times

It's difficult to see how the transference applies to Cymbeline.

The Guardian

"You couldn't see the international connections, the transference of motifs, the symbiotic relationships between designers.

The New York Times - Arts

The transference wasn't completed, I suppose, but something — a sort of implantation — did take place.

The New Yorker

As psychoanalysis developed, the transference became at once more central and more complex.

The New Yorker

To put it in psychoanalytic language, the transference valence of the journalist was here greater than that of the analyst.

The New Yorker

The week's best new Netflix addition also deals with the transference of desire, and with similar intensity of feeling.

The Guardian - Film

I trained to be a theatre actor, I love the live gig, the transference between an audience and a performer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing psychological concepts, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to transference in the Freudian sense or a more general transfer of emotions or ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "the transference" in contexts where a simple "transfer" would suffice, especially if the discussion isn't related to psychology. Overusing jargon can obscure your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the transference" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes either the act of transferring something or, more specifically, a psychological phenomenon as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the transference" is a noun phrase with distinct applications. Primarily, it signifies the act of transferring something. However, it's strongly associated with psychoanalysis, denoting the unconscious redirection of feelings. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. While versatile, awareness of its psychoanalytic undertones is crucial to avoid ambiguity. In general writing, consider opting for synonyms like "the transfer" or "the shift" when the psychoanalytic meaning is not intended. The phrase appears most frequently in news media and scientific publications, demonstrating its relevance across diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the transfer

This is a more general term for the act of moving something from one place to another.

the shift

Emphasizes a change in position, direction, or focus.

the conveyance

Suggests the act of transporting or carrying something.

the transmission

Highlights the process of passing something on, often information or energy.

the relocation

Focuses on the act of moving something to a new location.

the assignment

Implies the act of allocating or designating something to someone or something.

the delegation

Suggests entrusting a task or responsibility to another.

the imputation

This phrase specifically refers to attributing something (often a quality or characteristic) to someone or something.

the ascription

Similar to imputation, but often used in a more formal or academic context.

the attribution

The act of regarding something as being caused by a person or thing.

FAQs

How is "the transference" used in psychoanalysis?

In psychoanalysis, "the transference" refers to the unconscious redirection of feelings from one person (e.g., a parent) to another, often the therapist. It's a key concept for understanding patient's emotions and relationship patterns.

What's a non-clinical synonym for "the transference"?

Outside of clinical settings, you might use "the transfer", "the shift", or "the transmission" to describe moving something from one place to another.

Is it correct to use "transference" outside of psychology?

Yes, "transference" can be used more generally to describe the act of conveying something. However, be mindful that in many contexts, it will automatically evoke its psychoanalytic meaning. Choose words like "the transfer" or "the shift" to avoid ambiguity.

How does "the transference" differ from "countertransference"?

"The transference" describes the patient's feelings projected onto the therapist, while "countertransference" describes the therapist's emotional reactions to the patient. Both concepts are essential in understanding the dynamics of therapy.