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

Luckily, Erivo is a gifted enough performer to transcend these mystifying decisions.

From Salon

The final would prove to be a ground-breaking moment for the women's game, with the momentum propelled by a photographer capturing an image which transcended sport.

From BBC

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

From Salon

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

From Los Angeles Times

But the Republican nominee had shown a habit for transcending and even thriving in moments of adversity.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• eclipse
• outstrip
• overstep
• transform