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)

Other Word Forms

• transcendingly adverb
• untranscended 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

Unfortunately, the issues facing this team transcend defense.

From Los Angeles Times

"Major international sporting events embody a spirit of unity and dialogue, transcending differences and divisions," said a statement from world cycling's governing body.

From BBC

And so therefore it became obvious in the music when the music sort of transcended just a basic rock four-by-four.

From Los Angeles Times

In our modern, hyper-digital era, consumer power transcends the multiplex and hits streaming right in the gut.

From Salon

In the tome of essays, author and educator Patricia Pisters discusses Madonna’s ability to transcend the traditional objectification and victimization that famous women are usually subject to.

From Salon

Related Words

• eclipse 
• outstrip 
• overstep 
• transform