Definition of transcend

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tran·scend    (trn-snd) KEY 

VERB:
tran·scend·ed, tran·scend·ing, tran·scends
VERB:
tr.

1. To pass beyond the limits of: emotions that transcend understanding.
2. To be greater than, as in intensity or power; surpass: love that transcends infatuation. See Synonyms at excel.
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).

VERB:
intr.

To be transcendent; excel.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English transcenden, from Old French transcendre, from Latin trnscendere : trns-, trans- + scandere, to climb; see skand- in Indo-European roots