What does the prefix "meta" imply in various contexts?

The prefix "meta" suggests a concept that involves change or transformation. In various contexts, it is commonly used to indicate a shift from a conventional state to a new state or a higher level of abstraction. For instance, in the term "metaphysics," it refers to the study of what is beyond the physical world, emphasizing a change in the focus of inquiry. In "metadata," it refers to data that provides information about other data, showcasing how the relationship to the data has transformed. Thus, the interpretation of "meta" as implying changing or transcending an existing category is consistently applicable across different fields, including science, philosophy, and technology.