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.

   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

noun

1. something that is sublime

2. the ultimate degree or perfect example

   the sublime of folly

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

Other Word Forms

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sublime¹

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

Example Sentences

Former special counsel Jack Smith took to a London stage last week to provide a sublime if unwitting lesson in the two styles of lawfare now on display in our beleaguered justice system.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Farrell created tries for Fergus Burke and Ben Earl with a sublime offload and pinpoint crossfield kick, but it was not enough to stop his side suffering their third successive defeat by Harlequins.

Read more on Barron's

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

Related Words

• abstract 
• divine 
• exalted 
• glorious 
• gorgeous 
• heavenly 
• superb 
• transcendent