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.”

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adj

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."

(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 notes

In 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

transcendent →

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

more transcendental comparative, transcendentals plural, most transcendental superlative

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Kant's _____ philosophy explores how the mind shapes experience.

Etymology

A learned borrowing via Medieval Latin "transcendentalis," from Latin "transcendens" ("surpassing").

Origin: Medieval Latin

Rhymes for transcendental

mental dental rental parental Oriental elemental accidental ornamental judgmental incidental monumental regimental

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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.