Transcend: meaning, definitions and examples

🌌

Add to dictionary

transcend

[trænˈsɛnd ]

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "transcend" in other languages:

🇵🇹 transcender

🇮🇳 अतिक्रमण करना

🇩🇪 transzendieren

🇮🇩 melampaui

🇺🇦 перевершити

🇵🇱 przekraczać

🇯🇵 超越する (chōetsu suru)

🇫🇷 transcender

🇪🇸 trascender

🇹🇷 aşmak

🇰🇷 초월하다 (chowolhada)

🇸🇦 تجاوز

🇨🇿 překonat

🇸🇰 prekonať

🇨🇳 超越 (chāoyuè)

🇸🇮 preseči

🇮🇸 fara fram úr

🇰🇿 асып кету

🇬🇪 გადალახვა

🇦🇿 aşmaq

🇲🇽 trascender

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.

...
13849 spanning
13850 armistice
13851 insecure
13852 transcend
13853 compaction
13854 cosmos
13855 bitten
...