transference

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'transference' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the psychological phenomenon where an individual transfers their feelings, emotions, or attitudes from one person or situation to another. Example: The therapist explained to her patient that his feelings of resentment towards his boss may actually be a transference of unresolved issues with his father.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

According to "transference" accounts of causation, causation consists in the transfer of energy or momentum from one object to another at the point of contact between the objects.

SEP

One of the classic things that can happen is transference.

The Guardian

What is satisfying, however, is the way this transference of Time's canonisation to a young Asian author helps to clarify what some of the bluster call it "Franzenfreude"—has been about.

The Economist

The curators scoured the individual sheets of paper, looking for clues to their original order, such as pigment transference, age and type of paper.

The Economist

At recently as July, the government was hit with massive nationwide protests by school teachers and actions by other labour groups".Investment shock" is mildMr García pledged upon taking office in July 2006 to combat poverty through a major "investment shock" and the transference of billions of dollars to local departments for public-works projects.

The Economist

Although Mr Rekami's complaint that the banks offer little more than a money transference service may be true at present, the arrival of new foreign banks, including Dar Es Salam (80% owned by HSBC) and most recently Lebanon's Byblos Bank, should help increase capacity.

The Economist

The thick coat hinders the inward transference of heat from the environment (the temperature of which may often exceed the animal's body temperature); a thirsty camel can take in water very rapidly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The laying on of hands, as a sign of the transference of the Holy Spirit from one person to another, is a characteristic ritual that visibly represents and guarantees the continuity of the working of the Spirit in the officeholders chosen by the Apostles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Telepathy, direct transference of thought from one person (sender or agent) to another (receiver or percipient) without using the usual sensory channels of communication, hence a form of extrasensory perception (ESP).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The poet may be thought to transfer from this second object certain qualities, which are then perceived as attributes of the original object, the poet's intention being to decorate, illuminate, emphasize, or renew by such transferences the original character of that which is contemplated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These transference-style imaginings are fictions taming and domesticating the mysterious, unsettling foreignness of one's conspecifics, thereby rendering social life tolerable and navigable.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing psychological concepts, ensure that you use "transference" in the correct context, distinguishing it from similar terms like projection or displacement. Clear definitions are crucial for avoiding misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "transference" to describe a situation where someone is merely influenced by another person's emotions. Transference specifically involves the unconscious redirection of feelings from one individual (often from the past) to another in the present.

Linguistic Context

The noun "transference" functions primarily to denote the psychological process of unconsciously redirecting feelings from one person to another. As Ludwig AI suggests, this term is used to describe the transfer of emotions, often rooted in past relationships, onto individuals in the present.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "transference" is a noun used to describe the psychological process where emotions are unconsciously redirected from one person to another. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in academic, scientific, and news contexts. When writing about this concept, it's crucial to differentiate it from similar terms like projection and displacement. While "transference" is common, being precise in its usage ensures clarity, as it is most accurately applied within discussions of therapy, interpersonal dynamics, and unconscious processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emotional displacement

Focuses specifically on the shifting of emotions from one person to another.

redirection of feelings

Highlights the act of changing the target of one's emotions.

unconscious redirection

Emphasizes the unintentional nature of the emotional shift.

emotional carryover

Implies that emotions are being carried from one situation to another.

projection of emotions

Focuses on the act of attributing one's own emotions to another person.

shift in affect

Uses a more clinical term for the change in emotional state.

emotional substitution

Highlights the replacement of one emotional target with another.

feeling displacement

Uses a less technical term for the shifting of emotions.

carrying over emotions

A more colloquial way of expressing the transportation of emotions.

transferral of sentiments

Uses a more formal term, "sentiments", for feelings.

FAQs

How is "transference" typically used in a sentence?

In a sentence, "transference" often describes the unconscious redirection of feelings: "The patient's anger towards the therapist was a clear example of "transference"."

What are some alternatives to the word "transference"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use "emotional displacement", "redirection of feelings", or "emotional carryover" as alternatives.

What's the difference between "transference" and projection?

"Transference" involves redirecting feelings from one person to another, while projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable feelings or traits to someone else. While both are defense mechanisms, their mechanisms differ.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the term "transference"?

"Transference" is most appropriately used in psychological contexts, particularly in discussions of therapy, interpersonal relationships, and unconscious processes.