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

At its 1886 height, the Knights claimed nearly one million members, seeking a cooperative commonwealth transcending the wage system.

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“This issue is one that transcends party labels,” Carson said.

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It also transcended local issues in an aspiration to become "the new face of a global and generational revolt," said the professor, who specialises in issues related to youth.

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Those elements are present throughout “Shine,” but it never transcends its humble presentation.

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In 1961, a small child looks with fear into the eyes of a costumed Santa in New York City, a primal reaction that transcends decades.

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Related Words

• eclipse 
• outstrip 
• overstep 
• transform