transcendental

adjective

tran·scen·den·tal | \ ˌtran(t)-ˌsen-ˈden-tᵊl

, -sən-\

Definition of transcendental

1a : transcendent sense 1b

b : supernatural

c : abstruse, abstract

d : of or relating to transcendentalism

2a : incapable of being the root of an algebraic equation with rational coefficients π is a transcendental number

b : being, involving, or representing a function (such 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 sense 1a

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Examples of transcendental in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

The transcendental mystique of Mr. Obama’s persona runs through his aides’ memoirs like a leitmotif. — Barton Swaim, WSJ, "Politics: End of the Rainbow," 5 July 2018 Mama Bird Recordings in Portland, Oregon, has been positioning itself at the center of the transcendental hippie coffee shop scene by releasing album after album of dreamy, meditative folk. — Noah Berlatsky, Chicago Reader, "Folk musician Haley Heynderickx cultivates a different garden," 5 July 2018 These are not elements in the transcendental toolkit. — Washington Post, "Q&A: Schrader on ‘First Reformed,’ ‘Taxi Driver’ and God," 16 May 2018 And these are not included in the transcendental toolkit. — Zach Baron, GQ, "Paul Schrader Isn't Done Yet," 18 May 2018 Rooted in metal, industrial, electronic noise, and drone, the tracks on Broken Limbs range from anguished and oppressive to contemplative and transcendental. — Monica Kendrick, Chicago Reader, "Quintron’s Weather Warlock and Chicago polymath Bruce Lamont come together for a night of sonic witchcraft and wizardry," 11 May 2018 There isn’t some big-name rock band, pop singer, or rapper leading the audience on a transcendental musical ride. — Tiffany Walden, Chicago Reader, "Soulection Radio Tour is the ultimate music connoisseur’s dream," 16 Feb. 2018 My transcendental Paul Revere had succeeded where a magic wand had failed. — Sloane Crosley, The Cut, "The Doctor Is a Woman," 26 Mar. 2018 Pi is irrational and transcendental and will continue infinitely without repetition or pattern. — Cristela Guerra, BostonGlobe.com, "There’s still time to enjoy a slice of Pi Day," 14 Mar. 2018

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