transcend

American  

[tran-send] / trænˈsɛnd /

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.).

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verb (used without object)

1. to be transcendent or superior; excel.

   His competitiveness made him want to transcend.

transcend British  

/ 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)

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Other Word Forms

• transcendingly adverb
• untranscended adjective

Etymology

Origin of transcend

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Latin trānscendere “to surmount,” from trāns- trans- + -scendere (combining form of scandere “to climb”)

Example Sentences

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From Barron's

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

From The Wall Street Journal

The country singer-songwriter has woven together a persona that transcends political divisions.

From Salon

Related Words

• eclipse
• outstrip
• overstep
• transform