Transcend Meaning
/tɹæn(t)ˈsɛnd/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
verbTo pass beyond the limits of something.
verbTo surpass, as in intensity or power; to excel.
Sentence Examples
To be human we must transcend our animal nature.
Individuals have international duties which transcend the national obligations of obedience.
Great art has the power to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her music could ____ cultural boundaries and connect people from different countries.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A truly great piece of art can ____ time and culture, remaining relevant to many people for several generations today.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English transcenden, from Old French transcender, from Latin transcendō (“to climb over, step over, surpass, transcend”), from trans (“over”) + scandō (“to climb”); see scan; compare ascend, descend.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"such personal popes, emperors, or elective kings, as shall transcend their limits"
— a. 1627 (date written), Francis [Bacon], “Considerations Touching a Warre with Spaine. […]”, in William Rawley, editor, Certaine Miscellany Works of the Right Honourable Francis Lo. Verulam, Viscount S. Alban. […], London: […] I. Hauiland for Humphrey Robinson, […], published 1629, →OCLC:
"Shepard: What do you want from us? Slaves? Resources?
My kind transcends your very understanding. We are each a nation. Independent, free of all weakness. You cannot grasp the nature of our existence."
— 2008, BioWare, Mass Effect (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →ISBN, →OCLC, PC, scene: Virmire:
"How much her worth transcended all her kind."
— c. 1698, John Dryden, Epitaph on the Monument of a Fair Maiden Lady:
"your Muse soars up to the upper, and transcending that too, takes her fight among the Celestial bodies"
— 1655, James Howell, “To Sir Tho. Haw.”, in Epistolæ Ho-Elianæ. Familiar Letters Domestic and Forren. […], 3rd edition, volume (please specify the page), London: […] Humphrey Mos[e]ley, […], →OCLC:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her music could ____ cultural boundaries and connect people from different countries.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A truly great piece of art can ____ time and culture, remaining relevant to many people for several generations today.