sublime

verb

sub·lime | \ sə-ˈblīm

sublimed; subliming

Definition of sublime

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to cause to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state and condense back to solid form

2 [ French sublimer, from Latin sublimare ]

a(1) : to elevate or exalt especially in dignity or honor

(2) : to render finer (as in purity or excellence)

b : to convert (something inferior) into something of higher worth

intransitive verb

: to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state

sublime

adjective

sub·lime | \ sə-ˈblīm

sublimer; sublimest

Definition of sublime (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : lofty, grand, or exalted in thought, expression, or manner

b : of outstanding spiritual, intellectual, or moral worth

c : tending to inspire awe usually because of elevated quality (as of beauty, nobility, or grandeur) or transcendent excellence

2a archaic : high in place

b obsolete : lofty of mien : haughty

c capitalized : supreme —used in a style of address

d : complete, utter sublime ignorance

Other Words from sublime Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Sublime vs. Sublimate Example Sentences Learn More about sublime

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Other Words from sublime

Verb

sublimable \ sə-ˈblī-mə-bəl

\ adjective

sublimer noun

Adjective

sublimely adverb

sublimeness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for sublime

Adjective

splendid, resplendent, gorgeous, glorious, sublime, superb mean extraordinarily or transcendently impressive. splendid implies outshining the usual or customary. the wedding was a splendid occasion resplendent suggests a glowing or blazing splendor. resplendent in her jewelry gorgeous implies a rich splendor especially in display of color. a gorgeous red dress glorious suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction. a glorious sunset sublime implies an exaltation or elevation almost beyond human comprehension. a vision of sublime beauty superb suggests an excellence reaching the highest conceivable degree. her singing was superb

Sublime vs. Sublimate

At first glance, the question of whether sublime and sublimate are related might seem like an easy one to answer, as they appear to come from the same source. However, the most common senses in which each of these words is used today are dissimilar enough to give pause. The two words are indeed related, and in some senses are in fact synonymous. Both share the meaning “to cause to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state and condense back to solid form,” although this is not widely used except among chemists. Sublime was first used as a verb with the above meaning, and after a century or two of such use took on the adjectival role in which it is often found today (“the concert was a sublime experience”). Sublimate has had several meanings as a verb (including “to elevate to a place of honor” and “to give a more elevated character to”) before coming to its common meaning today, which is “to divert the expression of (an instinctual desire or impulse) from its unacceptable form to one that is considered more socially or culturally acceptable.”

Examples of sublime in a Sentence

Verb

… models indicate that frost in most of the southern hemisphere is currently subliming, thinning the surface deposits. — William B. McKinnon et al., Encyclopedia Of The Solar System, 1999 The cursory remarks of the large-minded stranger, of whom he knew absolutely nothing beyond a commonplace name, were sublimed by his death, and influenced Clare more than all the reasoned ethics of the philosophers. — Thomas Hardy, Tess of the D'Urbervilles, 1891

Adjective

New Orleans is not just a list of attractions or restaurants or ceremonies, no matter how sublime and subtle. New Orleans is the interaction among all those things, and countless more. — Tom Piazza, Why New Orleans Matters, 2005 Judging by the satisfied look that settles on both men's faces, the meal was sublime. — Kathleen Brennan, Saveur, November 2004 Even when he is paying homage to her sublime beauty, he cannot resist inserting himself as the man responsible for unleashing that beauty's potency. — Zoë Heller, New Republic, 21 May 2001 He composed some of the most sublime symphonies in existence. the sublime beauty of the canyon

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Next, the ice will sublime out of them—that’s when water goes straight from ice to gas without turning to liquid first, remember? — Kevin Dupzyk, Popular Mechanics, "How to Freeze-Dry Food," 8 Nov. 2018 While the TEB seemed like an awesome idea on paper, most of its advantages sublimed under scrutiny. — Sebastian Anthony, Ars Technica, "China’s crazy car-straddling elevated bus is just a giant scam, police say," 5 July 2017 This dish is sublimely simple to make and sublime to eat. — Susan Russo, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Fresh ways to mind your peas," 2 May 2017

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Art lovers looking to expand their understanding of the surreal and sublime now have the chance to dive into the world of psychedelics at the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art. — Michelle Pitcher, The Mercury News, "Panel discussion promises to be surreal, sublime and psychedelic," 6 Sep. 2019 Spurs were sublime during periods in 2018/19, showing resolve and determination to come back from the dead on numerous occasions in their run to the Champions League final. — SI.com, "UEFA Champions League 2019/20: Grading the Difficulty of Each Group," 31 Aug. 2019 Ehnes and Hadelich were violin soloists, Edward Arron the solo cellist; the interpretation was sublime. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: Old and new successfully commingle as SummerFest comes to a happy end," 24 Aug. 2019 But upon basking in the fragile and sublime wonders of Lofoten, Rosén began to consider how her own actions might be threatening the region. — Umair Irfan, Vox, "Air travel is a huge contributor to climate change. A new global movement wants you to be ashamed to fly.," 1 Aug. 2019 The Real Madrid star hit the ground running on his first-ever start in north London, keeping fans at Emirates Stadium on the edge of their seats with his delicate touches, sublime passes and ability to dance past Burnley's midfielders. — SI.com, "Arsenal 2-1 Burnley: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Lacazette & Aubameyang Secure Win," 17 Aug. 2019 Simple cauliflower, cooked three ways (caramelized, fermented, simmered), is sublime, while the calamari is prepared like cacio e pepe, and the iced dessert pop pairs with a cocktail poured tableside—like carrot cake

sublime

Definition of sublime

Other Words from sublime

Synonyms for sublime

Choose the Right Synonym for sublime

Sublime vs. Sublimate

Examples of sublime in a Sentence

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