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)

Derived Forms

• transˈcendingly, adverb

Other Words From

• tran·scending·ly adverb
• untran·scended 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

This outlook inherently resists race- and gender-based hierarchy and embraces radical equality in ways that transcend socially constructed identities.

From Salon

As Musk, Bezos and Zuckerberg’s individual personas continue to transcend their tech roots, they are using clothing to communicate a different kind of power: one that isn’t tied to a single company’s stock price, or even their standing in a particular industry.

From Salon

“The interests of the United States with respect to Mexico transcend party divisions.”

From Los Angeles Times

What Ohtani and Judge could offer is the chance for personalities to transcend the sport, in the way that casual basketball fans might have embraced Kobe and Shaq, without mastering any knowledge of the Lakers or the NBA.

From Los Angeles Times

“The truth is, sports loyalties transcend relationships,” Mankiewicz said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• eclipse
• outstrip
• overstep
• transform