Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Transcendence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒŒ
Add to dictionary

transcendence

[trรฆnหˆsษ›ndษ™ns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

spiritual awakening

Transcendence is the act of rising above something to a superior state. It is often associated with spiritual enlightenment and a sense of connection to a higher power.

Synonyms

elevation, enlightenment, exaltation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
transcendence

Used to describe something that goes beyond the ordinary limits, often in a spiritual or philosophical context.

  • Her meditation practice led her to a state of transcendence.
  • The artist's work achieves a level of transcendence that is both inspiring and moving.
elevation

Refers to the act of being raised to a higher level or position. Often used in both physical and metaphorical senses.

  • The elevation of the terrain made the hike quite challenging.
  • His sudden elevation to CEO surprised many in the company.
exaltation

Describes an intense feeling of joy or glorification. Can be used in both religious and general contexts.

  • The congregation was filled with a sense of exaltation during the ceremony.
  • His success was met with great exaltation by his friends and family.
enlightenment

Associated with gaining profound knowledge, spiritual awareness, or insight. Often used in both philosophical and religious contexts.

  • After years of study, she attained enlightenment.
  • The book offers wisdom that can lead to personal enlightenment.

Examples of usage

  • His experience of transcendence during meditation brought him inner peace.
  • The feeling of transcendence she felt while hiking in the mountains was indescribable.
Context #2 | Noun

artistic expression

In art and literature, transcendence refers to the idea of surpassing the ordinary and reaching a state of beauty or emotional depth that goes beyond the physical realm.

Synonyms

elevation, sublimity, transcendency.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
transcendence

Used to describe a state of being beyond the limits of ordinary experience, often in a spiritual or philosophical context.

  • Meditation can lead to a feeling of transcendence beyond the physical self
sublimity

Refers to a quality of greatness or beauty that inspires admiration or awe. Often used in artistic, literary, or natural contexts.

  • The sublimity of the mountain landscape left everyone speechless
transcendency

Similar to transcendence but less commonly used. It refers to the concept of going beyond normal limits or surpassing ordinary experience.

  • The novel explores themes of spiritual transcendency and human potential
elevation

Used to talk about raising something to a higher position, either physically or metaphorically. It can refer to a higher rank, mood, or status.

  • His promotion marked the elevation of his status within the company

Examples of usage

  • The painting captured a sense of transcendence that moved all who viewed it.
  • The poet's words had a transcendent quality that touched the hearts of readers.
Context #3 | Noun

philosophical concept

In philosophy, transcendence can refer to the idea of existence or experience that is beyond the material world, often associated with notions of the divine or the infinite.

Synonyms

superiority, supremacy, transcendency.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
transcendence

Use 'transcendence' to describe a state of being beyond the ordinary physical experience or limits, often with a spiritual or philosophical connotation.

  • The meditation retreat helped him achieve a sense of transcendence.
  • The artist's work captures the transcendence of human spirit.
transcendency

Similar to 'transcendence,' 'transcendency' describes the act or state of going beyond ordinary limits, but it is less commonly used in everyday language.

  • The poet's writing explores themes of transcendency.
  • In moments of profound clarity, one may feel a sense of transcendency.
superiority

Use 'superiority' when describing a sense of being better, higher in rank, or more important than others. Can sometimes have a negative connotation if used to imply arrogance.

  • His sense of superiority made it difficult for him to make friends.
  • She performed with a clear technical superiority over her competitors.
supremacy

Use 'supremacy' to describe a condition or state of being superior or having ultimate power over all others. This word often has a more formal or political connotation and can have a negative context if implying domination or control.

  • The ancient empire maintained its supremacy for centuries.
  • Racial supremacy ideologies are condemned worldwide.

Examples of usage

  • The philosopher's exploration of transcendence led to profound insights into the nature of reality.
  • The concept of transcendence challenges our understanding of the limits of human perception.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Immanuel Kant distinguished between phenomena (what we can experience) and noumena (what exists beyond our experience).
  • Transcendence can refer to awareness of a reality beyond the physical world, often explored in metaphysics.
  • Philosophers like Hegel used transcendence to describe how human consciousness evolves to understand deeper truths.

Spirituality

  • Many spiritual traditions view transcendence as a pathway to the divine or ultimate understanding.
  • Meditation practices often aim for transcendence, where individuals experience a connection to something larger than themselves.
  • In Buddhism, transcendence is about moving beyond desires and suffering to reach enlightenment.

Psychology

  • The feeling of transcendence can lead to profound moments of joy and fulfillment, often linked to peak experiences.
  • Research in positive psychology shows that transcendent experiences can enhance well-being and life satisfaction.
  • Transcendence in psychology often refers to surpassing the self, finding meaning that goes beyond personal achievements.

Art and Literature

  • In literature, authors like Shakespeare and Whitman have explored themes of transcendence, expressing a longing for deeper truths.
  • Art can evoke transcendence by capturing beauty that inspires awe, often leading viewers to think beyond their ordinary lives.
  • Romantic poets emphasized transcendence in nature, suggesting that encounters with the natural world reveal higher truths and emotions.

Origin of 'transcendence'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'transcendere,' which means 'to climb over' or 'to rise above.'
  • The term gained prominence in philosophical and spiritual contexts in the 17th century.
  • In religious traditions, the concept often describes a state of being that exceeds earthly experiences.

The word 'transcendence' dates back to the 15th century and is derived from the Latin word 'transcendere', meaning 'to climb over, surpass'. The concept of transcendence has been explored in various religious, philosophical, and artistic traditions throughout history, reflecting humanity's enduring quest for connection to something greater than oneself.

See also: transcend, transcendency, transcendent, transcendental.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,750, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.