transcend

[tran-send]

verb (used with object)

1. to rise above or go beyond; overpass; exceed.

   to transcend the limits of thought; kindness transcends courtesy.

2. to outdo or exceed in excellence, elevation, extent, degree, etc.; surpass; excel.

   Synonyms: outstrip

3. Theology.,  (of the Deity) to be above and independent of (the universe, time, etc.).

verb (used without object)

1. to be transcendent or superior; excel.

   His competitiveness made him want to transcend.

transcend

/ trænˈsɛnd /

verb

1. to go above or beyond (a limit, expectation, etc), as in degree or excellence

2. (tr) to be superior to

3. philosophy theol (esp of the Deity) to exist beyond (the material world)

Other Word Forms

• transcendingly adverb
• untranscended adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of transcend¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Latin trānscendere “to surmount,” from trāns- trans- + -scendere (combining form of scandere “to climb”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of transcend¹

C14: from Latin trānscendere to climb over, from _trans- + scandere to climb

Example Sentences

The author emphasizes that the core issue transcends political ideology, focusing instead on the vulnerability of chronically online young men who lack real-world connections and mentorship.

From Los Angeles Times

The record-breaking dominance he has gone on to achieve has transcended the sport and established Duplantis as the sport's biggest star.

From BBC

Hatton had rare popularity, being a figure who managed to transcend his sport.

From BBC

RENO, Nevada — The history of Mexican boxing features names that transcend generations.

From Los Angeles Times

Unfortunately, the issues facing this team transcend defense.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• eclipse 
• outstrip 
• overstep 
• transform