transcend

verb tran·scend \ tran(t)-ˈsend \

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

Definition of transcend

transitive verb

1 a : to rise above or go beyond the limits of

b : to triumph over the negative or restrictive aspects of : overcome

c : to be prior to, beyond, and above (the universe or material existence)

2 : to outstrip or outdo in some attribute, quality, or power

intransitive verb

: to rise above or extend notably beyond ordinary limits

See transcend defined for English-language learners

See transcend defined for kids

Examples of transcend in a Sentence

music that transcends cultural boundaries
She was able to transcend her own suffering and help others.
Her concerns transcended local issues.

Recent Examples of transcend from the Web

March 30, 2018 —This past month, some of the films that caught Monitor film critic Peter Rainer's attention had themes including the spirit that can transcend war and how people forgive in unimaginable circumstances.

— peter rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, "4 movies you should check out this month," 30 Mar. 2018
Its butter-pecan ice cream topknot is mined with massive chunks of praline, and it's all doused in caramel sauce for a finish that transcends the middling reputation of this dessert archetype.

— mike sula, Chicago Reader, "Stop the presses: There’s an interesting new spot in Lincoln Square," 29 Mar. 2018
The Iranian artist and activist Morehshin Allahyari is currently working on a project that transcends continents and centuries.

— lizzie plaugic, The Verge, "Morehshin Allahyari’s 3D-printed project pushes back against ‘digital colonialism’," 24 Mar. 2018
In characteristically persuasive style, Amy Chua argues that America must rediscover a national identity that transcends our political tribes.

— amy chua, Fox News, "'Political Tribes' by Amy Chua," 17 Mar. 2018
The way that chords can tug at heartstrings and tear ducts without words might lead people to assume that music can transcend differences of speech to convey emotions.

— marissa fessenden, Smithsonian, "Why Music Is Not a Universal Language," 26 Feb. 2018
Meanwhile the blossoming of the tech sector is one example of how China retains the ability to transcend its past mistakes.

— The Economist, "A compelling look at the flaws in the Chinese economy," 22 Mar. 2018
How does one satirize a political moment that seems long ago to have transcended satire?

— christopher orr, The Atlantic, "The Death of Stalin Is a Wicked Farce," 16 Mar. 2018
Storer admits, sweating amid a long afternoon of shooting in the desert sun, that his deep motivation transcends beyond just a new website redesign.

— refinery29.com, "The Brand That's Creating A New Plus-Size Shopping Experience," 15 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'transcend.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

When Should You Use transcend?

Great leaders are expected to transcend the limitations of politics, especially during wartime and national crises. A great writer may transcend geographical boundaries to become internationally respected. And certain laws of human nature seem to transcend historical periods and hold true for all times and all places.

Origin and Etymology of transcend

Middle English, from Latin transcendere to climb across, transcend, from trans- + scandere to climb — more at scan

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

transcend Synonyms

Phrases

go one better, run circles around (or run rings around);

Synonym Discussion of transcend

exceed, surpass, transcend, excel, outdo, outstrip mean to go or be beyond a stated or implied limit, measure, or degree. exceed implies going beyond a limit set by authority or established by custom or by prior achievement.

- exceed the speed limit

surpass suggests superiority in quality, merit, or skill.

- the book surpassed our expectations

transcend implies a rising or extending notably above or beyond ordinary limits.

- transcended the values of their culture

excel implies preeminence in achievement or quality and may suggest superiority to all others.

- excels in mathematics

outdo applies to a bettering or exceeding what has been done before.

- outdid herself this time

outstrip suggests surpassing in a race or competition.

- outstripped other firms in sales

TRANSCEND Defined for English Language Learners

transcend

verb

Definition of transcend for English Language Learners

: to rise above or go beyond the normal limits of (something)

TRANSCEND Defined for Kids

transcend

verb tran·scend \ tran-ˈsend \

Definition of transcend for Students

transcended; transcending

1 : to rise above the limits of

The music transcends cultural boundaries.

2 : to do better or more than

The poem transcended all others in its beauty.

Word Root of transcend

The Latin word scandere, meaning “to climb,” gives us the root scend. Words from the Latin scandere have something to do with climbing. To ascend is to climb upward. To descend is to climb downward. To transcend is to rise above or climb over something's limits.