What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
excel
Example
She excels in mathematics and always gets top grades. [excel: verb]
Example
The company's products excel in terms of durability and performance. [excel: verb]
Example
The athlete's performance in the competition was excellent, and he excelled in his field. [excelled: past tense]
transcend
Example
His art transcends the boundaries of traditional painting and sculpture. [transcends: verb]
Example
The book's message transcends its genre and speaks to universal themes. [transcends: verb]
Example
Through meditation, she was able to transcend her physical limitations and achieve a higher state of being. [transcend: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Excel is more commonly used than transcend in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and is more versatile. Transcend is less common and is typically used in academic or philosophical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between excel and transcend?
While both excel and transcend can be used in formal contexts, transcend is more likely to be used in academic or philosophical writing, while excel can be used in a wider range of formal and informal contexts.
