'transcendence' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'transcendentia,' where 'trans-' meant 'across' and 'scandere' meant 'to climb.'

'transcendentia' transformed into the French word 'transcendance,' and eventually became the modern English word 'transcendence' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to climb across or beyond,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'existence beyond the normal or physical level.'