transcendental

adjective

tran·​scen·​den·​tal ˌtran(t)-ˌsen-ˈden-tᵊl How to pronounce transcendental (audio)
-sən-
1
2
a
: incapable of being the root of an algebraic equation with rational coefficients
π is a transcendental number
b
: being, involving, or representing a function (such as sin x, log x, ex) that cannot be expressed by a finite number of algebraic operations
transcendental curves
3
in Kantian philosophy
a
: of or relating to experience as determined by the mind's makeup
b
: transcending experience but not human knowledge
4
transcendentally adverb

Examples of transcendental in a Sentence

the concept of the soul as a transcendental entity that exists entirely apart from the body in his speeches he manifests a transcendental ability to inspire people from all points on the political spectrum
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While few of us will be able to experience the transcendental taste of the Hibiki 40-year-old, one universal aspect of it is the artistry of the presentation. Mark Littler, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 Finding that new way of working between music and film, or of film interacting with music can, when it’s done really, really well, almost be transcendental. Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Oct. 2024 Everything that characterizes a life lived by moral principles—consistently abiding by them, valuing prosocial ends, refusing to consider costs and benefits, and maintaining that these principles exist for a transcendental reason—seems perfectly engineered to make a person look trustworthy. Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024 Some of the oldest breathwork practices, dating back thousands of years, are spiritual or transcendental methods that can often be found in yoga practices. Bree Grant, refinery29.com, 7 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for transcendental 

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of transcendental was in 1624

Dictionary Entries Near transcendental

Cite this Entry

“Transcendental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transcendental. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

transcendental

adjective
tran·​scen·​den·​tal ˌtran(t)s-ˌen-ˈdent-ᵊl How to pronounce transcendental (audio)
-ən-
transcendentally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on transcendental

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