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View synonyms for sublime

sublime

[ suh-blahym ]

adjective

  1. elevated or lofty in thought, language, etc.: Paradise Lost is sublime poetry.

    Synonyms: noble, exalted

  2. impressing the mind with a sense of grandeur or power; inspiring awe, veneration, etc.:

    Switzerland has sublime scenery.

    Synonyms: majestic, imposing, resplendent, gorgeous, grand, august, superb, magnificent

  3. supreme or outstanding:

    a sublime dinner.

  4. complete; absolute; utter:

    sublime stupidity.

  5. Archaic.
    1. of lofty bearing.
  6. Archaic. raised high; high up.


noun

  1. the sublime,
    1. the realm of things that are sublime:

      the sublime in art.

    2. the quality of being sublime:

      the sublime of nature.

    3. the greatest or supreme degree.

verb (used with object)

, sub·limed, sub·lim·ing.
  1. to make higher, nobler, or purer.
  2. Chemistry.
    1. to convert (a solid substance) by heat into a vapor, which on cooling condenses again to solid form, without apparent liquefaction.
    2. to cause to be given off by this or some analogous process.

verb (used without object)

, sub·limed, sub·lim·ing.
  1. Chemistry. to volatilize from the solid state to a gas, and then condense again as a solid without passing through the liquid state.

sublime

/ səˈblaɪm; səˈblɪmɪtɪ /

adjective

  1. of high moral, aesthetic, intellectual, or spiritual value; noble; exalted
  2. inspiring deep veneration, awe, or uplifting emotion because of its beauty, nobility, grandeur, or immensity
  3. unparalleled; supreme

    a sublime compliment

  4. poetic.
    of proud bearing or aspect
  5. archaic.
    raised up
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


noun

  1. something that is sublime
  2. the ultimate degree or perfect example

    the sublime of folly

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. tr to make higher or purer
  2. to change or cause to change directly from a solid to a vapour or gas without first melting

    to sublime iodine

    many mercury salts sublime when heated

  3. to undergo or cause to undergo this process followed by a reverse change directly from a vapour to a solid

    to sublime iodine onto glass

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • subˈlimely, adverb
  • sublimity, noun
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Other Words From

  • sub·limely adverb
  • sub·limeness noun
  • sub·limer noun
  • unsub·limed adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of sublime1

First recorded in 1350–1400; (for the noun and adjective) from Latin sublīmis “high,” equivalent to sub- sub- + an element of uncertain origin, variously identified with līmen “lintel, threshold” or līmus “askew, aslant”; (for the verb) ultimately derivative of sublīmis
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Word History and Origins

Origin of sublime1

C14: from Latin sublīmis lofty, perhaps from sub- up to + līmen lintel
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Example Sentences

While many loved the elegant art piece, made all the more sublime by the artist’s invisibility, others condemned the incursion of any man-made object in pristine desert.

On the other hand, single conifers have a capacity to dazzle as sublime specimens or to drag a landscape down.

That made the ice in the mix sublime — move directly from a solid to a gas.

First, there’s the sublime look of joy on Luke’s face as Jess says, “I was attacked by a swan.”

From Vox

The essential kindness and sublime silliness of one terrific franchise.

From Vox

From this louche improbable source pours music of sublime beauty without one false note.

“I have thought that no incident in the life of Jackson was more truly sublime than this,” wrote Hill.

The decision brings the Military more in line with its veterans who have seen combat and found nothing sublime in war.

“It seems like volunteers for ISIS are surfing for the sublime,” Atran wrote to me on Sunday.

We did it by knowing that the writing is really sublime and just opening yourself to it.

On such occasions his unfaltering impudence reached heights truly sublime.

Byron wrote dashingly about 'sublime Tobacco,' but I do not think he carried the practice to excess.

To fall from the sublime to the ridiculous is especially awkward, and results in becoming very particularly ridiculous yourself.

It was thronged with motorists who generally dashed along in sublime disregard of the speed limits.

It is to him that we are indebted for all knowledge of the sublime scenes enacted at the last supper of the Girondists.

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sublimationSublime Porte