Transgressing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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transgressing
[trænsˈɡresɪŋ ]
Definitions
breaking rules
To transgress means to go beyond the limits of what is morally or socially acceptable. It involves violating a law, command, moral code, or social norm.
Synonyms
break, infringe, trespass, violate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| violate |
Used in contexts where laws, agreements, or personal boundaries are broken. Often carries a strong negative connotation.
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| break |
Used in the context of failing to adhere to rules, laws, or promises. Commonly applied to contracts, laws, or social norms.
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| trespass |
Specifically used to describe illegally entering someone's property or violating physical space. Carries a negative connotation.
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| infringe |
Refers to intruding upon someone's rights or violating regulations, often used in legal or formal contexts.
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Examples of usage
- He was arrested for transgressing the boundaries of the restricted area.
- She knew she was transgressing the rules, but she felt it was necessary.
- If you continue transgressing in this manner, there will be consequences.
religious context
In a religious context, transgressing refers to sinning or going against the teachings of a faith.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| transgressing |
Used when someone violates a rule, law, or moral principle. It has a formal tone and is often used in legal, religious, or moral contexts.
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| sin |
Mostly used in religious or moral contexts to indicate an action that goes against divine laws or moral principles. It often carries a heavy negative connotation.
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| disobey |
Used in situations where there is a straightforward refusal to comply with rules, commands, or instructions. It’s common in everyday language, especially concerning parents, teachers, or regulations.
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| defy |
Applicable when someone openly resists or refuses to obey. It's often used to describe acts of rebellion against authority.
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Examples of usage
- He feared transgressing the laws of his religion.
- Transgressing against the commandments is considered a serious offense.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Law
- In legal terms, transgressing often refers to violating laws or regulations, such as speeding or theft.
- Transgression is a significant concept in criminal law, where many offenses involve overstepping legal boundaries.
- The idea of transgressing is also used in civil cases, like breaking contracts or agreements.
Literature
- In classic literature, characters often face moral dilemmas where transgressing societal norms leads to conflict.
- Dante's 'Inferno' explores the consequences of transgressions in a vivid depiction of sin and punishment.
- Modern stories also showcase transgression, highlighting themes of rebellion and the quest for identity.
Philosophy
- Philosophers discuss transgressing moral boundaries, raising questions about ethics and the nature of right and wrong.
- Friedrich Nietzsche believed that transgressing norms could lead to greater personal growth and self-discovery.
- Transgression can also signify a challenge to societal values, prompting discussions about progress and change.
Religion
- Many religious texts discuss transgression in the context of sin, where breaking divine laws affects one's spiritual standing.
- In Christianity, the concept of original sin reflects the idea of humanity's first major transgression against God's commandments.
- Judaism also emphasizes transgressing commandments, with teachings focused on repentance and forgiveness.
Origin of 'transgressing'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'transgressus', meaning 'to go beyond' or 'to step over'.
- It features the prefix 'trans-' meaning 'across', and 'gress' from 'gradior', meaning 'to step'.
- The term has been used in English since the late Middle Ages, evolving from religious contexts into broader usage.
The word 'transgressing' comes from the Latin word 'transgredi', which means 'to step across' or 'to go beyond'. It has been used in English since the late 15th century. The concept of transgression has been explored in various philosophical, religious, and ethical contexts throughout history.
See also: transgress, transgression, transgressions, transgressor.