sublime

American  

[suh-blahym] / səˈblaɪm /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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
• sublimity noun
• unsublimed adjective

Etymology

Origin of sublime

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

Explanation

In common use, sublime is an adjective meaning "awe-inspiringly grand, excellent, or impressive," like the best chocolate fudge sundae you've ever had. You might describe a spine-tingling piece of music as "a work of sublime beauty." With the, the word also functions as a noun meaning "something that strikes the mind with a sense of grandeur or power": "Never need an American look beyond his own country for the sublime and beautiful of natural scenery," wrote Washington Irving. The beauty of music or nature can be awe-inspiring, but sublime is also useful for describing everything from an impressive serve in tennis to a jaw-droppingly good taste sensation.

Example Sentences

Following the massive success of “Real Americans,” the California author returns with “My Dear You,” a short story collection that finds the sublime in the surreal.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

"If we only look at his paintings, we see this supreme, sublime beauty and perfection," she told AFP.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

Captain Ryan Yates' strike - his 24th Forest goal in all competitions on his 267th appearance - was sublime while the experience of Champions League winner Stefan Ortega was a calming presence in goal.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

Across the eight-episode series, things move from the ridiculous to the sublime.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026

Something else emerges in Mozart, though, beyond the sublime melodies, that Haydn’s music does not anticipate.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall

Related Words

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