ENGLISH
REFERENCE

transcend

v.
C1 Advanced US //tɹænˈsɛnd// UK //tɹænsˈɛnd// tran·scend Archaic

v. to go beyond the usual limits of something. You use this when something is so good or powerful that it rises above normal problems or boundaries.

v. to rise above or go beyond the limits of a particular field, experience, or condition. Often implies a movement toward a superior or more universal state.


SIMPLE

Great art can transcend language barriers.

CONTEXTUAL

The athlete's performance seemed to transcend the physical limitations of the human body, setting a record that stood for decades.

COMPLEX

The philosopher argued that true wisdom allows an individual to transcend their immediate circumstances and view the world from a more objective, timeless perspective.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English transcenden, from Old French transcender, from Latin transcendere (“to climb over, step over, surpass, transcend”), from trans (“over”) + scandere (“to climb”); see scan; compare ascend, descend.

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, such as a limit, boundary, or category.

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