English Reference

Word

transcendence

Phoneticstran·scen·dence

US/tɹænˈsɛndəns/

UK/tɹænsˈɛndəns/

Definition

n. the quality of being so great or perfect that it goes beyond normal limits. In math, it describes a number or function that cannot be expressed as a simple fraction or a finite decimal.

n. the quality of being beyond ordinary limits or the state of surpassing a particular level. In a mathematical context, it refers to the property of a number or function that cannot be expressed as a ratio of two integers or a finite series.

Examples

“The beauty of the painting reached a level of transcendence.”

“Mathematicians often study transcendence to understand which numbers, like pi, cannot be the solution to a polynomial equation with integer coefficients.”

“The concept of transcendence in mathematics highlights the distinction between algebraic numbers, which are roots of polynomials, and those that remain forever beyond the reach of such definitions.”

Examples

simple

“The beauty of the painting reached a level of transcendence.”

contextual

“Mathematicians often study transcendence to understand which numbers, like pi, cannot be the solution to a polynomial equation with integer coefficients.”

complex

“The concept of transcendence in mathematics highlights the distinction between algebraic numbers, which are roots of polynomials, and those that remain forever beyond the reach of such definitions.”

Real-World Examples

“Martyrs, a much better film in every way, takes those ideas seriously, treating suffering and transcendence as something profound and spiritual.”
The Guardian · 24 Aug 2026
“As for Little Bird, it’s a name that could signify rootlessness, fragility or the possibility of transcendence.”
The Guardian · 15 Aug 2026

Etymology

From transcend + -ence.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Domain

Mathematics

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

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English Reference