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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.

  3. supreme or outstanding.

    a sublime dinner.

  4. complete; absolute; utter.

    sublime stupidity.

  5. Archaic.

    1. of lofty bearing.

    2. haughty.

  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)

sublimed, subliming 
  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)

sublimed, subliming 
  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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Other Word Forms

  • sublimely adverb
  • sublimity noun
  • sublimeness noun
  • sublimer noun
  • unsublimed 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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

McEwan’s elegantly structured and provocative novel is a strong argument for how little raw data, or even the most sublime art, can tell us about humans and their contrary natures.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Joe Root's sublime 64 not out led Trent Rockets to a tense three-wicket win over Welsh Fire and confirmed their place in the knockouts of The Hundred men's competition.

Read more on BBC

Reijnders' footwork and chipped pass for the opening goal was sublime, while there was nothing Jose Sa could do for his first-half goal which was clipped across goal and into the bottom corner.

Read more on BBC

Neither grief nor the sublime can be avoided when everything around you is yours.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Soo, best known for her graceful lead performance in “Hamilton,” provided sublime support in a cast that had considerable Broadway depth.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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ˌsubliˈmationSublime Porte