self-transcendence

noun

self-tran·​scen·​dence ˌself-tran(t)-ˈsen-dən(t)s How to pronounce self-transcendence (audio)
: the act of transcending oneself or the capacity to transcend oneself
"If you're going to be a leader, you're going to have to have a very loose relationship with this thing you call 'I' or 'me,'" he shouted. "Maybe … life is not about the self but about self-transcendence!"The New York Times
self-transcendence means that the individual's own needs are put aside to some degree in favor of service to others.Jeremy Herschler
And awe itself can lead to what David Yaden, a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania's Positive Psychology Centre, describes as self-transcendence—the experience of shedding one's sense of self to feel part of something larger.Leigh Ann Henion
self-transcendent adjective
self-transcendent values
self-transcendent altruism
self-transcending adjective
self-transcending love

Examples of self-transcendence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Art as well as nature enables it: the books heaped on my bed convey something of that desire for self-transcendence, self-forgetfulness. Parul Sehgal, The New Yorker, 4 Dec. 2023 The 3100-Mile Race serves as a platform for affirmation of his teachings on self-transcendence, an opportunity to exemplify each participant’s hidden potential. Ben Pryor, Outside Online, 13 Oct. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-transcendence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-transcendence was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near self-transcendence

Cite this Entry

“Self-transcendence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-transcendence. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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