transcendental
/ˌtrænsenˈdentl/ (bre, ipa) · [trˌænsəndˈɛntəl] /ˌtrænsenˈdentl/ (ame, ipa) · [trˌænsəndˈɛntəl] /ˌtran(t)-ˌsen-ˈden-tᵊl How to pronounce transcendental (audio) -sən-/ (ame, mw)
transcendental — adjective
- transcendentalpositive
- more transcendentalcomparative
- most transcendentalsuperlative
1. describing an experience or moment that feels deeply significant in a way that g
describing an experience or moment that feels deeply significant in a way that goes beyond what people can normally understand or explain — often connected to spiritual or religious feelings
Kenji described his meditation experience as transcendental, saying he felt connected to everything around him.
describe something as + transcendental
The old church had a transcendental beauty that made visitors stop and stare in silence.
For many climbers, reaching the mountain peak is a transcendental moment they never forget.
Nila said the ocean sunset gave her a transcendental feeling of peace and wonder.
- transcendent
Broader; can describe any achievement or quality that rises above normal limits, not only spiritual moments
- sublime
Emphasizes overwhelming beauty or awe, often connected to art or nature
- extraordinary
Much more common and less intense; simply means very unusual, without spiritual overtones
用法筆記
Typically describes experiences, moments, or feelings rather than people or objects. Common in spiritual or deeply personal contexts.
常見錯誤
2. belonging to a world or reality beyond the natural one that science studies — no
belonging to a world or reality beyond the natural one that science studies — not explainable by the ordinary laws of nature
Tamás's grandmother told stories about transcendental beings who watched over the forest.
transcendental + being(s) — supernatural entity
Erik believes a transcendental force guides the movement of stars and planets.
In the old legend, Trang gained transcendental powers after years of quiet meditation.
Salma wrote a book about transcendental events that scientists cannot yet explain.
- supernatural
The everyday word; preferred in ordinary speech for events outside natural law
- otherworldly
Suggests a sense of being from a different realm or dimension
- preternatural
More formal; describes abilities or qualities that are beyond what is normal but not necessarily outside nature
- natural
Of or in accordance with the physical world
用法筆記
More formal and philosophical than 'supernatural,' which is the ordinary word for this idea. Prefer 'supernatural' in everyday conversation.
常見錯誤
3. connected with the philosophical idea that knowledge comes partly from the human
connected with the philosophical idea that knowledge comes partly from the human mind's own structure, not only from what we observe — especially in the systems of Kant or the American transcendentalists
Asher wrote a long paper on Kant's transcendental philosophy for his final exam.
transcendental philosophy — Kantian technical term
The transcendental tradition in America was shaped by writers like Emerson and Thoreau.
Camille compared transcendental ideas from European and Asian philosophical traditions.
Professor Mark said that transcendental arguments show what makes experience possible.
- a priori
A related Kantian term meaning knowledge that comes from reasoning alone, not from experience
- metaphysical
Broader category dealing with the fundamental nature of reality; not limited to Kant's system
- idealist
Related but not identical; idealism argues that reality is shaped by the mind
- empirical
Based on observation and experience rather than on the structure of the mind
用法筆記
This is a technical term in philosophy. In Kantian thought, 'transcendental' refers to the conditions that make experience possible, not to anything that exists beyond experience itself. Distinguish from 'transcendent,' which means going beyond all possible experience.