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Glite Dictionary
thought transference

thought transference

1 9.9
Sending thoughts and feelings directly from one person's mind to another without using words or touch
  • noun
  • /θɔt trænsˈfɜrəns/
  • Archaic
translation icon : transferencia de pensamiento
  • Many researchers are skeptical about the phenomenon of thought transference and question its validity.

Examples

  • Researchers have tried to test the validity of thought transference under controlled conditions.

  • She claimed to have experienced thought transference during the experiment, sensing her friend's emotions without words.

  • Many science fiction stories feature thought transference between characters from different species.

  • Many people believe in thought transference.

  • The concept of thought transference fascinates scientists.

  • In the sci-fi novel, the characters communicate through thought transference instead of speaking.

  • Some people believe that thought transference allows individuals to share their emotions without verbal expression.

Synonyms

telepathy
vsthought transference
33 8.7

Ability to send and receive another person's thoughts without speech or writing

is the identical idea but expressed using an alternate label
psychical communication
vsthought transference
9.9

A way of sending or receiving thoughts without using the usual senses

is narrower meaning direct exchange of ideas or feelings between minds

Surface Forms

thought transference singular
thought transferences plural

Morphology

thought + transference

The phrase literally combines 'thought' (idea) with 'transference' (the act of transferring), so the basic sense 'transfer of thoughts' is derivable; however 'transference' is often used in a specialized psychoanalytic sense and the specific telepathy meaning is somewhat formal and not fully predictable for a B1 learner. Because the noun's specialized usage could confuse learners and the telepathy sense requires some world-knowledge or exposure, this is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Thought transference paints a clear picture: a thought being passed straight to another person by transference, like slipping a note without speaking. That's why it is used today to mean 'telepathy' or the idea of feeling or knowing someone else's thoughts without using the usual senses.