transgress

/trænzˈɡres/ (bre, ipa) · [trænzɡrˈɛs] /trænzˈɡres/ (ame, ipa) · [trænzɡrˈɛs] /tran(t)s-ˈgres How to pronounce transgress (audio) tranz-/ (ame, mw)

transgress — verb

  • transgresspresent simple I / you / we / they
  • transgresseshe / she / it
  • transgressedpast simple
  • transgressing-ing form

1. to do something that is not allowed by a law, rule, or moral standard — for exam

1.動詞及物 / 不及物C1
釋義

to do something that is not allowed by a law, rule, or moral standard — for example, stealing from your employer or breaking a promise to a friend.

例句

Daniel never thought he would transgress company rules by sharing confidential files with a rival.

transgress + noun phrase (company rules)

The priest told the congregation that those who knowingly transgress must seek forgiveness.

intransitive use: who transgress

同義詞
  • violate

    stronger and more legal in tone; often used for laws and rights

  • break

    everyday, neutral word; much more common in spoken English

  • disobey

    focuses on refusing to follow a command or authority

反義詞
  • obey

    most direct opposite; to follow a rule or command

  • comply with

    formal; to act according to a rule or requirement

  • respect

    to show regard for a rule or boundary

文法句型

transgress + noun phrase

transgress (no object)

transgress against + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently used in moral, legal, or religious contexts. In modern everyday English, speakers more commonly use 'break (the law / a rule)' or 'violate'. This sense is still common in formal writing, religious texts, and legal discussion.

常見錯誤

❌He transgressed the teacher by shouting.
✅He was rude to the teacher by shouting.
💡'transgress' is not used for personal offences against people; it applies to laws, rules, or moral principles.

2. to go beyond what is considered acceptable, normal, or proper — for example, whe

2.動詞及物C2
釋義

to go beyond what is considered acceptable, normal, or proper — for example, when a reporter reveals private details that most people would keep to themselves.

例句

The artist's latest work intentionally transgresses the boundary between painting and sculpture.

transgress + boundary between [two things]

Dario felt the tabloid had transgressed all acceptable limits of privacy by printing the photos.

transgress + limits of [something]

同義詞
  • exceed

    more neutral and common; used for numbers, limits, expectations

  • go beyond

    everyday alternative; less formal than 'transgress'

  • overstep

    similar in tone; often used for social or behavioural boundaries

反義詞
  • respect

    to stay within accepted limits

  • stay within

    everyday opposite; to not go beyond a boundary

  • observe

    formal; to follow rules or conventions

文法句型

transgress + noun phrase (boundary, limit, convention)

用法筆記

Often appears in discussions of art, social norms, or ethics. This sense is less serious than sense 1 — it can describe creative or intellectual rule-breaking rather than wrongdoing.

常見錯誤

❌She transgressed the river to reach the other side.
✅She crossed the river to reach the other side.
💡'transgress' does NOT mean to physically cross a space; it means to go beyond an abstract limit or boundary.