Transcend Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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transcend

[trรฆnหˆsษ›nd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

spiritual awakening

To transcend means to go beyond the usual limits of something. It often refers to achieving a higher state of being or consciousness.

Synonyms

eclipse, exceed, outstrip, surpass.

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Word Description / Examples
transcend

Appropriate when discussing going beyond ordinary limits, or achieving something exceptionally above the norm, especially in a philosophical or intellectual context.

  • Her art transcends conventional boundaries.
  • This novel transcends typical storytelling techniques.
surpass

Suitable for indicating that one thing is better or greater than another, often in terms of quality, performance, or achievement.

  • His latest book surpasses his previous works.
  • The new product's quality surpasses that of all its predecessors.
exceed

Utilized when something goes beyond a specific limit or expectation, often in measurable terms like expectations, quotas, or standards.

  • The athlete exceeded all expectations with his performance.
  • Sales this quarter exceeded the company's projections.
outstrip

Appropriate for situations where something or someone goes further or does better than others, often in a competitive sense or where progress or speed is involved.

  • The new model outstrips the competition in terms of performance.
  • She managed to outstrip all her rivals in the race.
eclipse

Best used when implying that something has been overshadowed or obscured by something else, often with a sense of dominance. It can have a slightly negative connotation if it implies one thing diminishing the importance of another.

  • Her recent performance eclipsed all her previous achievements.
  • The new movie eclipsed his earlier works.

Examples of usage

  • He transcended his physical limitations and reached a state of pure enlightenment.
  • She transcended her fears and found inner peace.
  • The music transcended language barriers and touched the hearts of people from all over the world.
Context #2 | Verb

artistic expression

In art, to transcend means to rise above or go beyond the usual standards or expectations, creating something truly exceptional and timeless.

Synonyms

elevate, excel, surpass.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
transcend

Repeated word in the group; see previous context and examples.

elevate

Used when raising something to a higher level, either physically, socially, or in quality.

  • Regular exercise can elevate your mood and energy levels.
  • His speech elevated the discussion to a more serious level.
surpass

Used when something exceeds or outshines another thing in quality, degree, or performance.

  • Her achievements surpass those of her peers.
  • The new model surpasses the old one in efficiency.
excel

Used when someone performs exceptionally well in a particular area or activity.

  • She excels in mathematics and has won several awards.
  • The team excels at problem-solving.

Examples of usage

  • His paintings transcend mere representation, evoking deep emotions in the viewers.
  • The beauty of her performance transcended words, leaving the audience in awe.
  • The novel transcended genres, blending elements of romance, mystery, and fantasy seamlessly.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In philosophy, it often refers to experiences or states that rise above the ordinary; a key concept in many spiritual traditions.
  • Immanuel Kant used the term to describe knowledge that goes beyond human experience, allowing a glimpse into higher truths.
  • Transcendentalism, a 19th-century movement, emphasized going beyond physical experience to find deeper spiritual truths.

Psychology

  • In psychology, transcending one's limitations can refer to personal growth and self-actualization as described by Maslow in his hierarchy of needs.
  • Experiences of transcendence can be linked to peak experiences, where individuals feel a deep sense of connection and fulfillment.
  • Studies suggest that achieving transcendence can improve mental health and overall well-being.

Art and Literature

  • Many poets and writers explore themes of transcendence, expressing moments when characters or ideas rise above mundane experience.
  • The concept appears frequently in Romantic literature, where nature and the sublime evoke feelings of awe and connection beyond ordinary life.
  • Artists like Caspar David Friedrich visually captured transcendence through landscapes that evoke deep feelings of spirituality.

Science

  • In physics, transcendence can refer to theories that go beyond current understanding, such as string theory that seeks to explain fundamental forces.
  • The idea of transcendence also appears in discussions about consciousness and the possibility of existence beyond physical bodies.
  • Evolutionary biology examines transcendence in the context of species adaptation, where organisms evolve beyond previous limitations.

Origin of 'transcend'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'transcendere,' which means 'to climb over or beyond.'
  • It is formed by combining 'trans' (beyond) and 'scandere' (to climb).
  • The term has been used in the English language since the early 1600s.

The word 'transcend' comes from the Latin word 'transcendere', which means 'to climb over' or 'go beyond'. The concept of transcendence has been explored in various philosophical and spiritual traditions throughout history, emphasizing the idea of surpassing ordinary limitations and reaching a higher state of existence.


See also: transcendence, transcendency, transcendent, transcendental.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,852, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.