adjective
transcendental
tran-sen-DEN-tul/ˌtrænsenˈdentl/
Going beyond ordinary experience or physical limits.
The woman contemplates a transcendental reality beyond the physical forms beside her.
Etymology
The image of “rising above” became a way to describe what surpasses ordinary limits. Applied to experience or reality, it suggests going beyond the material world and ordinary physical understanding.
In context
The Great Ones could function on transcendental planes of thought, meaning they had elevated their consciousness beyond the physical realm.
More examples
- For him, watching the sunrise is a transcendental experience.
- She describes a transcendental connection with the natural world.
- The poem explores a transcendental reality beyond the physical universe.
Forms
transcend verb — Go beyond an established limit or boundary.
transcendence noun — The state of going beyond ordinary limits.
Similar words
- transcendent
- Often emphasizes surpassing ordinary standards rather than mystical experience.
- spiritual
- Relates to the soul without necessarily exceeding ordinary experience.
- supernatural
- Specifically suggests forces or beings beyond natural laws.