transcendental

tran·scen·den·tal

adj \ˌtran(t)-ˌsen-ˈden-t^əl, -sən-\

Definition of TRANSCENDENTAL

1

a : transcendent 1b b : supernatural c : abstruse, abstract d : of or relating to transcendentalism

2

a : incapable of being the root of an algebraic equation with rational coefficients <π is a transcendental number> b : being, involving, or representing a function (as sin x, log x, e^x) that cannot be expressed by a finite number of algebraic operations <transcendental curves>

3

in Kantian philosophy a : of or relating to experience as determined by the mind's makeup b : transcending experience but not human knowledge

4

: transcendent 1a

— tran·scen·den·tal·ly \-t^əl-ē\ adverb

Examples of TRANSCENDENTAL

1. <the concept of the soul as a transcendental entity that exists entirely apart from the body>
2. <in his speeches he manifests a transcendental ability to inspire people from all points on the political spectrum>

First Known Use of TRANSCENDENTAL

1624

Related to TRANSCENDENTAL

Synonyms: metaphysical, otherworldly, paranormal, preternatural, transcendent, supernatural, unearthly

Antonyms: natural

Related Words: mystic, mystical, occult, psychic (also psychical), spiritistic, spiritualistic; extrasensory, supersensible, supersensory; celestial, divine, ethereal, heavenly, numinous, spiritual, unworldly

Near Antonyms: earthly, mundane

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Philosophy Terms

dialectic, dualism, epistemology, existentialism, metaphysics, ontology, sequitur, solipsism, transcendentalism

Rhymes with TRANSCENDENTAL

accidental, adjustmental, apartmental, biparental, compartmental, complemental, condimental, continental, departmental, detrimental, documental, excremental, elemental, firmamental, fundamental, governmental, grandparental, incidental, incremental, instrumental, managemental, monumental, nonjudgmental, occidental, oriental, ornamental, regimental, rudimental, sacramental, sentimental, supplemental, temperamental