transcend

play

verb tran·scend \tran(t)-ˈsend\

Definition of transcend

transitive verb
1a : to rise above or go beyond the limits ofb : to triumph over the negative or restrictive aspects of : overcomec : 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

A generation apart, both actresses are similarly equipped with heart, soul and nearly invisible technical chops; both are fighting the same valiant fight for roles to inhabit and not simply transcend.

— michael phillips, chicagotribune.com, "'Austin Found' review: Linda Cardellini makes the most of a semi-sweet nothing," 6 July 2017
Ismay, a favorite of Churchill’s and a military adviser to British governments, had a remarkable sense of history — namely that constants such as historical memory, geography, and national character always transcend the politics of the day.

— victor davis hanson, National Review, "Lord Ismay, NATO, and the Old-New World Order," 5 July 2017
The result are films which transcend a specific subject and become endlessly fascinating segments of human storytelling.

— christina newland, Esquire, "The 20 Best Documentaries in ESPN's 30 for 30 Series," 29 June 2017
If the first season of Master of None was very much the quasi-autobiographical Louie model remixed through the lens of Aziz Ansari’s experiences as an actor, foodie, and son of immigrant parents, Season 2 transcends that to become its own thing.

— joanna robinson, HWD, "The Best Movies and TV Shows of 2017, So Far," 29 June 2017
The thread between Catchings and her former coach at Tennessee, Pat Summit, was a strong one that transcended the court.

— matthew vantryon, Indianapolis Star, "How a piece of confetti reminded Tamika Catchings that Pat Summit is 'always with me'," 28 June 2017
Each of his films is a tribute to a specific genre, and all manage to transcend homage.

— katie walsh, star-telegram.com, "‘Baby Driver’ accelerates like the Subaru WRX at its heart," 27 June 2017
But the universality of the show transcends the individuality of its characters.

— christopher arnott, courant.com, "'Fun Home' Honors A Daughter's Coming-Of-Age Story," 21 June 2017
Lauderdale, Florida, Barbara had the kind of relationship with her older brother, John, that transcended simple, compulsory familial ties.

— edgar gomez, Longreads, "Pulse Nightclub Was My Home," 13 June 2017

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

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

play

verb

Definition of transcend for English Language Learners

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

TRANSCEND Defined for Kids

transcend

play

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.