transfer

Pronunciation: /trænsˈfɜːr/

verb

Difficulty: common

Definition of transfer

To convey, move, or shift something from one place, person, or situation to another, typically with the implication of a change in possession, location, or context.

Origin of transfer

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: transferre

Original meaning: to carry across

How it evolved: Initially used in Latin to mean the literal act of carrying across physical spaces, it evolved in English to include abstract transfers of ideas, rights, or responsibilities.

The word 'transfer' originates from Latin, combining 'trans-' meaning 'across' and 'ferre' meaning 'to carry,' reflecting the act of carrying something across a distance.

First known use: 14th century

How to Remember transfer

Picture yourself 'transferring' a suitcase (symbolizing the word's meaning) across a 'transfer' station at an airport. The prefix 'trans-' suggests 'across' and the suffix '-fer' hints at 'carry.'

Synonyms for transfer

Antonyms of transfer

  • retain
  • keep
  • anchor
  • stationary
  • immobilize

transfer in a Sentence

  1. The data was transferred to a secure server to ensure confidentiality and integrity.
  2. She decided to transfer her allegiance from one political party to another after years of disillusionment.
  3. The scientist worked tirelessly to transfer theoretical concepts into practical applications.

transfer in Literature & Culture

The idea of 'transfer' is often used in literature to describe a shift in power or emotion, as seen in Shakespearean plays, and in modern media, such as science fiction, where transferring consciousness or energy is a common theme.

Usage Notes

The term 'transfer' is versatile, used in contexts ranging from physical movement to abstract changes (e.g., transferring ownership, emotions, or energy). Avoid confusing it with 'transport,' which often implies physical movement exclusively.

Why transfer Matters for GRE & SAT

On the GRE, understanding 'transfer' is essential for reading comprehension passages and analytical writing, as it frequently appears in discussions of abstract concepts like the transfer of energy, ideas, or culture.

Word Family

transferable (adjective)
Capable of being moved or conveyed from one person or place to another.
transference (noun)
The act of transferring something from one place or person to another.
transferee (noun)
A person to whom someone or something is transferred.
transferor (noun)
A person who transfers something to someone else.

Did You Know?

  • The concept of 'transfer' is pivotal in physics, such as the transfer of energy in thermodynamics.
  • In psychology, 'transference' refers to the redirection of emotions from one person to another, often observed in therapy sessions.
  • The word 'transfer' has been notably used in technology, such as 'file transfer,' which revolutionized how we share data globally.
  • transition
  • transform
  • tacit — implied without being directly expressed
  • taciturn — of few words; speaking little
  • tact — skill in handling difficult situations without causing offense
  • tangential — only superficially relevant
  • tangible — capable of being touched; real or actual

More Vocabulary Words Starting with T

  • tacit — implied without being directly expressed
  • tacit — implied without being directly expressed
  • tacit — Understood or implied without being stated
  • taciturn — of few words; speaking little
  • taciturn — of few words; speaking little
  • tact — skill in handling difficult situations without causing offense
  • tact — skill in handling difficult situations without causing offense
  • tangential — only superficially relevant
  • tangential — only superficially relevant
  • tangible — capable of being touched; real or actual