Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
🧠 Related to psychology 📐 Related to math 👤 A follower of Klein
Kleinian

Kleinian

9.9
A person who follows Melanie Klein's psychoanalytic ideas
  • noun
  • /ˈklaɪniən/
  • Jargon
: kleiniano
  • Many modern therapists identify as Kleinian in their approach to child psychology.

Examples

  • She is a dedicated Kleinian who studies child development.

  • The debate between a Kleinian and a Freudian can be intense in psychoanalytic circles.

  • As a dedicated Kleinian, he often referenced Klein's work in his research.

  • Many Kleinians emphasize the importance of early relationships.

  • Dr. Smith is a noted Kleinian who often writes about Melanie Klein's contributions to child psychology.

  • As a Kleinian, she believes that early childhood experiences play a crucial role in adult behavior.

  • The conference featured several speakers, including a prominent Kleinian who discussed Klein's theories on object relations.

Surface Forms

Kleinian singular
Kleinians plural

Morphology

Kleinian = Klein (semi-transparent) = Klein + ian

Derived by attaching '-ian' to the surname 'Klein' to form a noun meaning 'a follower or supporter'; the formation is regular but requires recognition of the name to infer the referent.

Etymology

Kleinian is a person who follows the psychoanalyst Melanie Klein, much like a 'Freudian' follows Freud. So a Kleinian is 'a supporter of Klein's theories'.