adj
transcendental
transn-DEHNTL
Transcendental (adj) means relating to ideas or knowledge that go beyond ordinary experience, especially in philosophy. Example: “Kant's transcendental philosophy explores how the mind shapes experience.”
adj
1
Relating to ideas or knowledge that go beyond ordinary experience, especially in philosophy.
"Kant's transcendental philosophy explores how the mind shapes experience."
"The lecture covered transcendental themes in 19th-century thought."
2
(mathematics) Describing a number that is not the root of any polynomial with rational coefficients, such as pi.
"Pi and e are both transcendental numbers."
How to use transcendental
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRelating to ideas beyond everyday experience, or (in maths) a number that can't be a root of a rational polynomial equation.
Common mistake
Don't mix up with "transcendent," which describes something extraordinary rather than a specific philosophical or mathematical category.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- transcendentals
- Comparative
- more transcendental
- Superlative
- most transcendental
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Kant's _____ philosophy explores how the mind shapes experience.
Etymology
A learned borrowing via Medieval Latin "transcendentalis," from Latin "transcendens" ("surpassing").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for transcendental
mental
dental
rental
parental
Oriental
elemental
accidental
ornamental
judgmental
incidental
monumental
regimental
See all rhymes for transcendental →
Frequently asked questions
What does “transcendental” mean?
The word “transcendental” means relating to ideas or knowledge that go beyond ordinary experience, especially in philosophy. In plain terms, relating to ideas beyond everyday experience, or (in maths) a number that can't be a root of a rational polynomial equation.
How do you pronounce “transcendental”?
“Transcendental” is pronounced transn-DEHNTL (/ˌtɹænˌ(t)sɛnˈdɛntl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “transcendental” in a sentence?
Here is “transcendental” used in a sentence: “Kant's transcendental philosophy explores how the mind shapes experience.”
What part of speech is “transcendental”?
“Transcendental” is an adjective.
Where does the word “transcendental” come from?
The word “transcendental” comes from Medieval Latin. A learned borrowing via Medieval Latin "transcendentalis," from Latin "transcendens" ("surpassing").
How many meanings does “transcendental” have?
“Transcendental” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to ideas or knowledge that go beyond ordinary experience, especially in philosophy.
