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v. tran·scend·ed, tran·scend·ing, tran·scends v.tr. 1. To pass beyond the limits of (a category or conception, for instance): "our desire to ... find love, recognition and acceptance that transcends stereotype, class, age, poverty and physical imperfection" (Catherine Orenstein). 2. To be greater than, as in quality or intensity; surpass: a new film that transcends all her previous efforts. 3. To exist above and independent of (material experience or the universe): "One never can see the thing in itself, because the mind does not transcend phenomena" (Hilaire Belloc). v.intr. To be transcendent; excel. [Middle English transcenden, from Old French transcendre, from Latin trānscendere : trāns-, trans- + scandere, to climb; see skand- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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