Word
psychoanalytic
Phoneticspsy·cho·an·a·lyt·ic, stress on the fifth syllable
US/ˌsaɪkoʊˌænəˈɫɪtɪk/
UK/sˌaɪkəʊˌænɐlˈɪtɪk/
Definition
adj. relating to the study of the mind and how hidden feelings and memories affect behavior. It often involves looking at how a person's past experiences shape who they are today.
adj. relating to the theory and practice of psychoanalysis, which explores the unconscious mind and its influence on behavior. Often used to describe therapeutic techniques or theoretical frameworks that focus on early childhood experiences and repressed emotions.
Examples
“The book provides a psychoanalytic look at Shakespeare's characters.”
“The therapist used a psychoanalytic approach to help the patient understand the root of their anxiety.”
“While modern psychology has moved toward more empirical methods, the psychoanalytic tradition remains influential in literary criticism and the study of human motivation.”
Examples
simple
“The book provides a psychoanalytic look at Shakespeare's characters.”
contextual
“The therapist used a psychoanalytic approach to help the patient understand the root of their anxiety.”
complex
“While modern psychology has moved toward more empirical methods, the psychoanalytic tradition remains influential in literary criticism and the study of human motivation.”
Real-World Examples
“But if Magritte rejected the psychoanalytic overconfidence that dreams can be decoded, he had no problem recalling the most vivid and appalling nightmares.” “Postwar intellectuals used psychoanalytic ideas in a variety of ways, including to discuss race relations and homosexuality.” Etymology
From psycho- + analytic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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