verb
transcend
tran-SEHND
Transcend (verb) means to go beyond the usual limits of something. Example: “Great art can transcend language barriers.”
verb
1
To go beyond the usual limits of something.
"We cannot transcend what we refuse to face."
"Great art can transcend language barriers."
"Her kindness seemed to transcend the pettiness around her."
How to use transcend
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo rise above or go past normal boundaries.
Common pairings
transcend boundaries
transcend differences
transcend the ordinary
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- transcends
- Past tense
- transcended
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Great art can _____ language barriers.
Etymology
From Old French "transcender," from Latin "transcendere" — "to climb over or surpass," from "trans-" ("across") plus "scandere" ("to climb").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
fall short of
stop short
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “transcend” mean?
The word “transcend” means to go beyond the usual limits of something. In plain terms, to rise above or go past normal boundaries.
How do you pronounce “transcend”?
“Transcend” is pronounced tran-SEHND (/tɹæn(t)ˈsɛnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “transcend” in a sentence?
Here is “transcend” used in a sentence: “Great art can transcend language barriers.”
What is another word for “transcend”?
Words with a similar meaning to “transcend” include overgo, surpass, dwarf, eclipse, excel and forpass.
What is the opposite of “transcend”?
The opposite of “transcend” — its antonyms — are fall short of and stop short.
What part of speech is “transcend”?
“Transcend” is a verb.
Where does the word “transcend” come from?
The word “transcend” comes from Latin. From Old French "transcender," from Latin "transcendere" — "to climb over or surpass," from "trans-" ("across") plus "scandere" ("to climb").
