First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
transcendent
adjective tran·scen·dent \-dənt\
: going beyond the limits of ordinary experience
: far better or greater than what is usual
Full Definition of TRANSCENDENT
1
a : exceeding usual limits : surpassing b : extending or lying beyond the limits of ordinary experience c in Kantian philosophy : being beyond the limits of all possible experience and knowledge
2
: being beyond comprehension
3
: transcending the universe or material existence — compare immanent 2
4
: universally applicable or significant <the antislavery movement…recognized the transcendent importance of liberty — L. H. Tribe>
— tran·scen·dent·ly adverb
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Origin of TRANSCENDENT
Middle English, from Latin transcendent-, transcendens, present participle of transcendere
Related to TRANSCENDENT
- Synonyms
- metaphysical, otherworldly, paranormal, preternatural, supernatural, transcendental, unearthly
- Antonyms
- natural
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