transcendent
[tran-sen-duh nt]
- going beyond ordinary limits; surpassing; exceeding.
- superior or supreme.
- Theology. (of the Deity) transcending the universe, time, etc.Compare immanent(def 3).
- Philosophy.
- Scholasticism.above all possible modes of the infinite.
- Kantianism.transcending experience; not realizable in human experience.Compare transcendental(defs 5a, c).
- (in modern realism) referred to, but beyond, direct apprehension; outside consciousness.
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Origin of transcendent
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
fantasticabstractotherworldlysupernaturalultimatesublimeabsoluteaccomplishedboundlessconsummateentireeternalfinishedhypotheticalidealincomparableinfiniteinnateintactintellectualExamples from the Web for transcendent
Contemporary Examples
A Europe which is no longer open to the transcendent dimension of life is a Europe which risks slowly losing its own soul.
We should play the role and realize that we are transcendent of it, and playing into it.
While he was in a coma for seven days, his consciousness entered a series of transcendent realms.
Scientists believe this is the basis of transcendent states of consciousness.
Chi, like Samantha (Scarlett Johannson), ends up becoming a transcendent being that threatens her relationship with a human.
Historical Examples
But, after all, I hope I shall be enabled to be honest to a merit so transcendent.
Clarissa, Volume 3 (of 9)Samuel Richardson
Our town, as may be imagined, buzzed with transcendent gossip on the morrow.
Ruggles of Red GapHarry Leon Wilson
Also he sometimes supposes that God is immanent in the world, sometimes that he is transcendent.
TimaeusPlato
Society is sure to slander a woman of transcendent beauty and intellect.
An OutcastF. Colburn Adams
This is one of the transcendent issues involved in this contest.
transcendent
- exceeding or surpassing in degree or excellence
- (in the philosophy of Kant) beyond or before experience; a priori
- (of a concept) falling outside a given set of categories
- beyond consciousness or direct apprehension
- theol (of God) having continuous existence outside the created world
- free from the limitations inherent in matter
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- philosophy a transcendent thing
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for transcendent
adj.
mid-15c., from Latin transcendentem, present participle of transcendere (see transcend).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper