Jeff's attempt at transcendence through parachuting went horribly wrong...A very cool word this one but I was mildly surprised and irritated that the definition contains the very word you are looking up. Surely if you don't know what transcendent means then you probably don't know the root, transcend... Perhaps I should be in the dictionary writing business.
So: Transcend. Verb: 1. be or go beyond the range or limits of. 2. be superior to; surpass.
This word, along with its excellent derivatives, transcendence and transcendental, conveys a sense of zen both through its meaning and sound. This is probably due to its association with transcendental meditation. I always imagine it being said in a knowing, relaxed voice by someone with a knowing, relaxed and altogether Buddha-like smile on their face, probably because they have achieved transcendence. However, uttering other words in the same tone and with the same facial expression would most likely appear supercilious and warrant a swift slap upside the head. Transcendent is one of the few words that can actually get away with it.
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