transcendence
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of transcendence
From the Medieval Latin word trānscendentia, dating back to 1595–1605. See transcendent, -ence
Compare meaning
How does transcendence compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Transcendence is the act of rising above something to a superior state. If you were at a concert where the rock star jumped into the audience, the concert (and audience) may have achieved a state of transcendence. Transcendence comes from the Latin prefix trans-, meaning "beyond," and the word scandare, meaning "to climb." When you achieve transcendence, you have gone beyond ordinary limitations. The word is often used to describe a spiritual or religious state, or a condition of moving beyond physical needs and realities. One way to achieve transcendence spiritually might be to fast for a long time. If you have trouble letting go of material needs, then you will have a difficult time achieving transcendence.
Vocabulary lists containing transcendence
Talk Like Shakespeare Day, List 8
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Fire Next Time
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
I'll Give You the Sun
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I did see the happiness of the finale coming though, and that is not a criticism; we could all use a little transcendence these days.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2026
So with Spielberg once again looking skyward, we decided to revisit the director’s long cinematic relationship with aliens, as figures of astonishment, terror, transcendence and, occasionally, giant crystal skulls from another dimension.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026
Technocrats and transhumanists greet every computational advance as a step toward transcendence.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026
Many fans have moved on as well, some perhaps deciding there’s more musical transcendence and power in one Beethoven sonata than in the entire rock catalog.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026
For her the drums were not an all-embracing rope of fellowship, discipline and transcendence.
From "Jazz" by Toni Morrison
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
