WordGarden.iotranscendence
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /trænsˈɛndəns/
US
- /trænˈsɛndəns/
Meanings
Noun
a spiritual or religious state beyond ordinary physical existence
in philosophy, the condition of being beyond experience, reality, or a given system
the act or quality of surpassing ordinary limits, expectations, or achievement
More meaningsFewer meanings
in mathematics, the property of not being algebraic over a given field
Beyond the definition
Transcendence describes a state or feeling of rising above ordinary limits, whether physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. Think of an athlete pushing past what they thought they could do to reach a personal best, or a musician becoming fully lost in the music. It is about going beyond what seems possible.
The word suggests going beyond something, not just getting through it. A religious experience might be described this way: a feeling of connection to something larger than oneself. Artists often aim for this in their work, hoping to create something that lifts the viewer beyond everyday concerns. A person can also rise above a hard situation by finding meaning or growth in it.
Transcendence refers to a state, quality, or experience of rising above or going beyond the limits of ordinary life. It is about moving past usual boundaries, whether they are physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual, and reaching a higher level of being or understanding. Imagine climbing a mountain; the view from the peak can create a feeling of being lifted beyond everyday life.
The concept appears in many contexts. In spirituality and religion, transcendence often refers to achieving union with the divine or experiencing enlightenment—a state beyond human comprehension. Think of Buddhist monks meditating to transcend their ego and achieve Nirvana.
However, transcendence isn't limited to religious experiences. It can also describe moments of intense creativity, where an artist loses themselves in their work and creates something truly exceptional. A musician might experience transcendence while improvising a solo, or a writer while crafting a powerful story. It is about being fully absorbed in the present moment, losing track of time and self-consciousness.
In philosophy, transcendence explores what lies beyond our immediate reality. It asks about the limits of human knowledge and tries to understand the deepest nature of existence.
Even everyday life can offer moments of transcendence. Overcoming a significant challenge, experiencing profound love, or witnessing breathtaking beauty can all evoke feelings of being lifted above the mundane. For example: "After years of struggle, she found transcendence through helping others," or, "The music created a sense of transcendence, transporting the audience to another world."
Ultimately, whether it's a spiritual awakening, an artistic breakthrough, or a personal triumph, transcendence is about exceeding limitations and experiencing something that lies beyond the ordinary.
Examples
- 1
Spiritual retreat
During the retreat, he felt a sense of transcendence for the first time.
- 2
Film ending
The film's final scene aims for transcendence rather than simple happiness.
- 3
Choir singing
Singing in the choir gave her a brief moment of transcendence.
- 4
Art and literature
For many readers, the novel suggests that art can offer a kind of transcendence.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Academic study
The course examines transcendence in religious philosophy and modern literature.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- self-transcendence
- exaltation
- otherworldliness
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- spiritual transcendence
- a sense of transcendence
- transcendence of the self
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- transcendencenoun