transcend

American  

[tran-send] / trænˈsɛnd /

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.).

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verb (used without object)

1. to be transcendent or superior; excel.

   His competitiveness made him want to transcend.

transcend British  

/ 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)

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Other Word Forms

• transcendingly adverb
• untranscended adjective

Etymology

Origin of transcend

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

Example Sentences

The selection suggests that indigenous art has evolved sufficiently since the 1970s to transcend special pleading.

From The Wall Street Journal

With my mind on Turner, I do transcend; I feel so emboldened I could leave anything behind in peace after the session.

From Los Angeles Times

Its utilization also transcends both geographical boundaries and cuisines, including South Asian, Arab, Iranian and North African.

From Salon

Fanning may be acting in the modern age, but she has the exceptional curiosity and work ethic that transcend trends, making contemporary films feel like instant classics.

From Salon

“It’s a planning perspective that’s looking for concrete economic enhancements at the firm and sector level, as opposed to just developing a machine that might transcend humanity,” Webster said.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• eclipse
• outstrip
• overstep
• transform