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.).

---

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)

---

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

Now that Ohtani is the game’s best player, and an international superstar that transcends sports, Kuriyama must feel like a proud father.

From Los Angeles Times

They have a strong sense of identity that transcends national borders, and they are more organized than any other opposition group inside Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal

What getup will transcend la mode and stand the test of time?

From The Wall Street Journal

Breaded, pounded chicken cutlets transcend geographic boundaries — and they don’t call for any onions.

From Salon

McManus suggested that people’s love for their furry, feathery or scaly companions transcends party lines.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• eclipse
• outstrip
• overstep
• transform