ENGLISH
REFERENCE

transcends

v.
C1 Advanced US //tɹænˈsɛndz// UK //tɹænsˈɛndz// tran·scends

v. to go beyond the usual limits of something. It means being better or more important than a specific problem, feeling, or boundary.

v. to rise above or go beyond the limits of something; to exceed in scope or excellence. Often describes abstract concepts like beauty, love, or logic that surpass ordinary human experience.


SIMPLE

Great art transcends language and culture.

CONTEXTUAL

The athlete's performance transcends the sport, inspiring people who have never even watched a game.

COMPLEX

The philosopher argued that true wisdom transcends the mere accumulation of facts, requiring instead a deep understanding of the connections between disparate ideas.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object. It is often used in the third-person singular form 'transcends' when discussing universal truths or abstract subjects.

© 2026 English Reference