adj

transcendent

tran-SEHN-duhnt

Transcendent (adj) means going far beyond ordinary limits; extraordinary or supreme. Example: “The choir's performance was nothing short of transcendent.”

adj

Going far beyond ordinary limits; extraordinary or supreme.

"The choir's performance was nothing short of transcendent."

"He described a transcendent moment of peace during the climb."

How to use transcendent

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSo far beyond the normal or expected that it feels extraordinary.

Easily confused with

transcendental →

Word forms

more transcendent comparative, transcendents plural, most transcendent superlative

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The choir's performance was nothing short of _____.

Etymology

From "transcend" plus "-ent," or borrowed directly from Latin "transcendens."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for transcendent

dependent codependent independent resplendent superintendent

See all rhymes for transcendent →

Frequently asked questions

What does “transcendent” mean?

The word “transcendent” means going far beyond ordinary limits; extraordinary or supreme. In plain terms, so far beyond the normal or expected that it feels extraordinary.

How do you pronounce “transcendent”?

“Transcendent” is pronounced tran-SEHN-duhnt (/tɹæn(t)ˈsɛndənt/ in IPA).

How do you use “transcendent” in a sentence?

Here is “transcendent” used in a sentence: “The choir's performance was nothing short of transcendent.”

What part of speech is “transcendent”?

“Transcendent” is an adjective.

Where does the word “transcendent” come from?

The word “transcendent” comes from Latin. From "transcend" plus "-ent," or borrowed directly from Latin "transcendens.".