transcendent

[ tran-sen-duhnt ]

adjective

1. going beyond ordinary limits; surpassing; exceeding.
2. superior or supreme.
3. Theology. (of the Deity) transcending the universe, time, etc. Compare immanent ( def 3 ).
4. Philosophy.
   1. Scholasticism. above all possible modes of the infinite.
   2. Kantianism. transcending experience; not realizable in human experience. Compare transcendental ( defs 5a, 5c ).
   3. (in modern realism) referred to, but beyond, direct apprehension; outside consciousness.

noun

, Mathematics.

1. a transcendental function.

transcendent

/ trænˈsɛndənt /

adjective

1. exceeding or surpassing in degree or excellence
2. 1. (in the philosophy of Kant) beyond or before experience; a priori
   2. (of a concept) falling outside a given set of categories
   3. beyond consciousness or direct apprehension
3. theol (of God) having continuous existence outside the created world
4. free from the limitations inherent in matter

noun

1. philosophy a transcendent thing

Derived Forms

• tranˈscendentness, noun
• tranˈscendently, adverb
• tranˈscendence, noun

Other Words From

• tran·scendent·ly adverb
• tran·scendent·ness noun
• super·tran·scendent adjective
• super·tran·scendent·ly adverb
• super·tran·scendent·ness noun
• untran·scendent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of transcendent¹

1575–85; < Latin trānscendent- (stem of trānscendēns ), present participle of trānscendere. See transcend, -ent

Example Sentences

The Hollywood Reporter's David Rooney credited Crowley with directing the film with a "tender yet truthful touch", adding: "Seldom has such an unflinchingly honest take on mortality felt so transcendently life-affirming."

From BBC

Viewers may never know whether Tom Brady is a transcendent football analyst or an unlistenable bore because he’s chosen to handcuff himself by becoming a part owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.

From Los Angeles Times

"For those who have been patient enough to wait, the reward is transcendent."

From BBC

The joy of the Harris campaign has given Americans much-needed positive momentum, but love can be the transcendent, unifying concept that motivates mass participation.

From Los Angeles Times

Along with Rhythm’s remarkable athleticism, agility and dance talent, and Sagi’s grace, the pair’s profound emotional bond elevates their dynamic performances to transcendent.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abstract
• fantastic
• otherworldly
• sublime
• supernatural
• ultimate