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)

, 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

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

Derived Forms

• subˈlimely, adverb
• sublimity, noun

Other Words From

• sub·limely adverb
• sub·limeness noun
• sub·limer noun
• unsub·limed adjective

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

King struck sublime back-to-back boundaries in Jofra Archer’s opening spell in a quick start for the home side on a wicket that had favoured the chasing team in nine of the previous 11 matches.

From BBC

Wainwright is accustomed to bringing high culture into, shall we say, less than highbrow arenas; after all, his sublime version of “Hallelujah” originated on the soundtrack for “Shrek.”

From Los Angeles Times

Trent Alexander-Arnold may have once again been playing out of position for his country but it was a familiar tale for the full-back when he curled a sublime free-kick into the top corner.

From BBC

The opening match against Bangladesh was a rare wicketless day for Ecclestone but she responded with a sublime spell on a pitch that offered just enough to aid the extra bounce from her height.

From BBC

Without the devices, there’s a sublime and supreme sense of quietude.

From Salon

Related Words

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