What does transcend mean?
Word: Transcend
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: Transcend means to go past the usual limits of something, such as language, age or ability.
Synonyms: surpass
How do you spell transcend?
Syllables: tran - scend
Tricky part: The s and c stand side by side and make a single s sound, so many pupils leave one of them out.
Watch out for: transend, trancend, transcened
Memory tip: Ascend and descend keep the very same s and c pair, and all three words are about climbing.
Transcend in a sentence
Example 1: A great story can transcend the time and place in which it was written.
Example 2: The friendship between the two pen friends seemed to transcend the distance between Kochi and Oslo.
Example 3: The beauty of a sunrise transcends anything a camera can capture.
Fun Fact
The word comes from Latin trans, 'across', and scandere, 'to climb', so to transcend was first of all to climb over something.
Practise the CREST Way
Mingle-Mangle
The sentence contains a jumbled word. Choose the word it hides:
A good folk song can cednnasrt the limits of language and region.
a) transform
b) transpire
c) transcend
d) transcribe
Show answer
c) transcend. Two n's, a c and a d are needed: transcribe has only one n, transform has no c and transpire has no d.
Word Cookie
Find the extra letter in the word:
transcennd
a) c
b) d
c) n
d) s
Show answer
c) n. Only one n stands just before the d.
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word transcend as used in the sentence:
The joy of the final seemed to transcend every difference of language and state in the crowded stadium.
a) hold back
b) rise above
c) bring about
d) look after
Show answer
b) rise above. When joy transcends a difference, people rise above it and it stops mattering.
Spell-o-Spell
Only one word in the list is spelt correctly. Choose its meaning.
1. acquiese 2. conceed 3. persavere 4. transcend
a) to accept something quietly without arguing
b) to keep trying in spite of difficulty
c) to admit that something is true
d) to reach a point higher than ordinary bounds
Show answer
d) to reach a point higher than ordinary bounds. Transcend is printed right; persevere has e's where this list has an a, acquiesce keeps a c before its final e, and concede closes in ede.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. A film that transcends borders is one that
a) is shown only at border fairs
b) is made for one single cinema
c) is shown in only one small town
d) is enjoyed by people in many countries
Show answer
d) is enjoyed by people in many countries
2. Which achievement best shows a player transcending her sport?
a) becoming an inspiration to people who never watch it
b) buying new boots at the start of every season
c) winning one match in her school league
d) training at the same time each morning
Show answer
a) becoming an inspiration to people who never watch it
