self-transcendent
|self-trans-cend-ent|
/sɛlf.trænˈsɛndənt/
going beyond the self
Etymology
'self-transcendent' originates from Modern English compounding: the Old English-derived prefix 'self' combined with 'transcendent', which comes from Latin 'transcendere' (see 'transcend').
'transcendere' (Latin) -> 'transcend-'/Late Latin 'transcendens' -> Middle English/Modern English 'transcendent'; the adjectival compound 'self-' + 'transcendent' emerged in modern English usage (notably in 19th–20th century psychological and religious contexts) as 'self-transcendent'.
Initially, Latin 'transcendere' meant 'to climb across or beyond'. Over time it evolved into the sense 'to go beyond' or 'exceed'; in modern usage 'self-transcendent' specifically describes going beyond the personal self (psychological/spiritual extension of the general sense 'to exceed').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
characterized by going beyond one's own self-interest or personal concerns toward others, larger causes, or universal values; altruistic or other-directed.
Her leadership was deeply self-transcendent, focused on the community's long-term well-being rather than personal gain.
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Adjective 2
(Psychology/religion) Relating to or describing experiences in which personal identity or ego boundaries are overtaken by a sense of unity, spirituality, or transcendent awareness.
Many reported self-transcendent moments during the retreat, describing a sense of oneness with nature.
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Last updated: 2026/01/06 11:25