transcendent
UK: trænˈsɛndənt | US: trænˈsɛndənt
adj. surpassing ordinary limits; exceeding usual boundaries
adj. (philosophy/religion) existing beyond the physical or material world
adj. of exceptional greatness or intensity
Derived from Latin transcendere ("to climb over, surpass"), combining trans- (beyond) + scandere (to climb). The root scandere also gives rise to words like "ascend" and "descend." Over time, "transcendent" evolved from literal climbing to metaphorical surpassing—first in physical limits, then in abstract qualities (e.g., spiritual or intellectual superiority). The suffix -ent solidifies its adjectival form, emphasizing a state of being beyond ordinary measures.
The poet described beauty as a transcendent experience beyond words.
His transcendent performance earned him a standing ovation.
Many religions teach about a transcendent reality beyond human perception.
The symphony’s final movement achieved a transcendent harmony.
Her ideas were so transcendent that they reshaped the entire field.