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transcendent

adjective
tran·​scen·​dent | \ tran(t)-ˈsen-dənt How to pronounce transcendent (audio) \

Definition of transcendent

1a : exceeding usual limits : surpassing
b : extending or lying beyond the limits of ordinary experience
c in Kantian philosophy : being beyond the limits of all possible experience and knowledge
2 : being beyond comprehension
3 : transcending the universe or material existence — compare immanent sense 2
4 : universally applicable or significant the antislavery movement … recognized the transcendent importance of liberty— L. H. Tribe
Other Words from transcendent Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about transcendent

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Other Words from transcendent

transcendently adverb

Did You Know?

The Latin verb scandere means "to climb", so transcend has the basic meaning of climbing so high that you cross some boundary. A transcendent experience is one that takes you out of yourself and convinces you of a larger life or existence; in this sense, it means something close to "spiritual". The American writers and thinkers known as the Transcendentalists, including Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, believed in the unity of all creation, the basic goodness of humankind, and the superiority of spiritual vision over mere logic. When we speak of the transcendent importance of an issue such as climate change, we may mean that everything else on earth actually depends on it.

Examples of transcendent in a Sentence

a firm belief in angels, demons, and other transcendent beings the star player's transcendent performance helped the team to a surprise victory

Recent Examples on the Web

 The one, which, for want of a better word, one may call the ‘traditionalist,’ puts its primary emphasis upon the authority of transcendent truth and the necessity of a political and social order in accord with the constitution of being. — John Hood, National Review, "New Nationalists Make Three Big Bets," 28 Aug. 2019 Other research shows that after transcendent experiences, people feel more satisfied with their lives and rate their lives as more meaningful. — Ailsa Ross, Longreads, "Mountains, Transcending," 9 Aug. 2019 The transcendent vacation moment is never spectacular. — Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati.com, "Paul Daugherty: The highs and lows of summer vacation," 16 July 2019 There is something transcendent about cruising along a nearly empty Memorial Drive, or sailing through the Fresh Pond rotary without another driver in sight. — BostonGlobe.com, "15 things to love and 11 things to loathe about Boston," 2 July 2019 Nike likely hopes that Williamson could wind up being another transcendent star like Michael Jordan, the six-time NBA champ for the Chicago Bulls who is now principal owner of the NBA's Charlotte Hornets franchise. — Paul R. La Monica, CNN, "Nike signs Zion Williamson to its Jordan Brand line," 23 July 2019 Michael, 35, says there's something transcendent — if a little unnerving — about the whole experience. — Tim Evans, Indianapolis Star, "Indiana noodling: Inside the Hoosier tradition of catching snapping turtles by hand," 14 July 2019 For some reason, there just isn’t a transcendent talent in the bunch. — oregonlive.com, "Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal still dominate, evidence this isn’t tennis’ greatest era: 2019 Wimbledon," 8 July 2019 Jones’ transcendent voice has garnered the artist both a throng of fans and nine Grammy awards. — Chris Bieri, Anchorage Daily News, "New summer tunes: Here’s your guide to new Alaska music and fun shows," 4 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'transcendent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of transcendent

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for transcendent

Middle English, from Latin transcendent-, transcendens, present participle of transcendere

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More Definitions for transcendent

transcendent

adjective
How to pronounce transcendent (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of transcendent

formal
: going beyond the limits of ordinary experience
: far better or greater than what is usual

See the full definition for transcendent in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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