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

'transcendere' transformed into the Old French word 'transcendre,' and eventually became the modern English word 'transcend' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to climb across or beyond,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to go beyond the limits of something.'