transcendentalism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Proficient)Formal, academic, literary. Primarily used in discussions of philosophy, history, literature, and religion.
Quick answer
What does “transcendentalism” mean?
A philosophical and literary movement that emphasizes intuitive spiritual insight and belief in inherent human goodness, asserting that true reality transcends (goes beyond) empirical observation and scientific measurement.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A philosophical and literary movement that emphasizes intuitive spiritual insight and belief in inherent human goodness, asserting that true reality transcends (goes beyond) empirical observation and scientific measurement.
In modern usage, can refer to any philosophy or belief system that prioritizes spiritual or non-material truths over purely rational or sensory experience. Sometimes used more loosely to describe an attitude of optimism about human potential that transcends limitations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is strongly associated with 19th-century American literature and philosophy (Emerson, Thoreau). In British contexts, it is more likely to be used academically to describe that specific movement or in philosophical discourse, less so in general culture.
Connotations
In the US, it carries strong cultural and historical connotations linked to American identity, self-reliance, and nature. In the UK, it is more purely a philosophical/historical term.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but slightly higher in American English due to its place in the national literary canon.
Grammar
How to Use “transcendentalism” in a Sentence
[noun] is rooted in transcendentalism.The [noun] explores themes of transcendentalism.[Subject] adhered to the principles of transcendentalism.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “transcendentalism” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The lecturer traced the roots of British Romanticism and its influence on American Transcendentalism.
- His philosophy bordered on a form of secular transcendentalism.
American English
- Transcendentalism left a permanent mark on American environmental thought.
- She wrote her thesis on the economic critiques found within Transcendentalism.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in literature, philosophy, history, and religious studies departments. 'The essay analyses Thoreau's transcendentalism and its critique of social institutions.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might appear in sophisticated conversation about philosophy or history.
Technical
Used as a precise term in philosophy to denote systems believing in knowledge derived from sources beyond sense experience.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “transcendentalism”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “transcendentalism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “transcendentalism”
- Misspelling as 'transcendental-ism' (no hyphen).
- Confusing it with 'supernaturalism' (focus on ghosts/spirits) rather than on inherent human spirit.
- Using it as a synonym for 'complicated' or 'theoretical'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's the belief that true understanding comes from personal intuition and spirit, not just from the senses or religion, and that people and nature are fundamentally good.
Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau are the most famous. The group also included Margaret Fuller, Bronson Alcott, and others connected to their circle in Concord, Massachusetts.
No, it is a philosophical and social movement. It was influenced by Unitarianism, Romanticism, and Eastern philosophies, but it is not an organized religion with dogma.
Its influence is seen in modern environmentalism, the value of self-reliance, civil disobedience (inspired by Thoreau), and in continual cultural debates about individualism versus conformity.
Transcendentalism is usually formal, academic, literary. primarily used in discussions of philosophy, history, literature, and religion. in register.
Transcendentalism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtræn.senˈden.tə.lɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtræn.senˈden.t̬əl.ɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not commonly used in idioms. The concept itself is the focus.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone going BEYOND (transcending) DENTAL problems to think about the meaning of life. TRANSCEND + DENTAL + ISM = the philosophy of going beyond surface issues.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS LIGHT FROM WITHIN (vs. knowledge from external observation). THE SELF IS A MICROCOSM OF THE UNIVERSE.
Practice
Quiz
Which concept is MOST central to Transcendentalism?