transcend
To go beyond the usual limits or boundaries
Examples
In a meeting
“This solution transcends the typical approach to customer service.”
Over coffee
“Great music transcends language barriers.”
Why this word
exceed
transcend implies rising above limitations entirely, while exceed just means going beyond a threshold
surpass
transcend suggests moving to a different plane or category, while surpass is simply doing better
overcome
transcend means going beyond the relevance of something, while overcome is defeating an obstacle
Usage tip
Use when something surpasses ordinary boundaries or rises above conventional limitations
Etymology
Latin: transcendere (to climb over), from trans- (beyond) + scandere (to climb)
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To give new and improved form, structure, or appearance to something.
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To make something greater by adding to it; to supplement.
retrofit
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remission
A temporary or permanent decrease in severity of disease symptoms