sublime

1 of 2

verb

sub·lime sə-ˈblīm How to pronounce sublime (audio)

sublimed; subliming

transitive verb

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

[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)

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

intransitive verb

: to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state

sublimable

sə-ˈblī-mə-bəl How to pronounce sublime (audio)

adjective

sublimer noun

sublime

2 of 2

adjective

sub·lime sə-ˈblīm How to pronounce sublime (audio)

sublimer; sublimest

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

: of outstanding spiritual, intellectual, or moral worth

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

archaic : high in place

obsolete : lofty of mien : haughty

capitalized : supreme

—used in a style of address

: complete, utter

sublime ignorance

sublimely adverb

sublimeness noun

Did you know?

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.”

Example Sentences

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 See More

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Each one of them was the historical equivalent of a chemical phase change—when water, say, grows hot enough to sublime into steam or cold enough to harden into ice.

Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 July 2021 Imprinted in the light of these wisps of subliming vapor are the fingerprints of a comet’s chemical composition.

Quanta Magazine, 29 Jan. 2020 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, 8 Nov. 2018 While the TEB seemed like an awesome idea on paper, most of its advantages sublimed under scrutiny.

Sebastian Anthony, Ars Technica, 5 July 2017 This dish is sublimely simple to make and sublime to eat.

Susan Russo, sandiegouniontribune.com, 2 May 2017

Adjective

Lengronne’s sublime performance adds levity to a character that could have too easily been leaden.

Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 May 2022 The very place that sparked such fervor for the sublime grape to found Italy’s first School of Winemaking in 1876.

Valentina Di Donato, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2021 Mica was sublime in the golden light of the sunset.

Sylvia Jorif, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2022 Wading through the nostalgic brain candy that is Astro’s Playroom with this beautiful haptic feedback gamepad is sublime.

Mitch Wallace, Forbes, 26 Aug. 2022 While Simmons’ defensive skill playing for the Philadelphia 76ers was sublime, his shooting ability and interest in taking big shots was suspect in Brooklyn.

Lance Pugmire, USA TODAY, 24 Aug. 2022 The show’s selection of music and needle drops has always been sublime.

Scott Huver, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Aug. 2022 Some of it was sublime, like the octopus salad, which grabbed my soul with suction cups and eight arms of saudade.

Brian Amaral, BostonGlobe.com, 9 June 2022 Horses are symbols and stories — some banal, others sublime.

Margaret Wappler, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2021 See More

单词	sublimeness
释义	sublime 1 of 2 verb sub·lime sə-ˈblīm sublimed; subliming 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 sublimable sə-ˈblī-mə-bəl adjective sublimer noun sublime 2 of 2 adjective sub·lime sə-ˈblīm sublimer; sublimest 1 a : 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 2 a archaic : high in place b obsolete : lofty of mien : haughty c capitalized : supreme —used in a style of address d : complete, utter sublime ignorance sublimely adverb sublimeness noun Did you know? 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.” Synonyms Adjective amazing astonishing astounding awesome awful eye-opening fabulous marvelous marvellous miraculous portentous prodigious staggering stunning stupendous surprising wonderful wondrous See all Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences 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 See More Recent Examples on the Web Verb Each one of them was the historical equivalent of a chemical phase change—when water, say, grows hot enough to sublime into steam or cold enough to harden into ice. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 July 2021 Imprinted in the light of these wisps of subliming vapor are the fingerprints of a comet’s chemical composition. Quanta Magazine, 29 Jan. 2020 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, 8 Nov. 2018 While the TEB seemed like an awesome idea on paper, most of its advantages sublimed under scrutiny. Sebastian Anthony, Ars Technica, 5 July 2017 This dish is sublimely simple to make and sublime to eat. Susan Russo, sandiegouniontribune.com, 2 May 2017 Adjective Lengronne’s sublime performance adds levity to a character that could have too easily been leaden. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 May 2022 The very place that sparked such fervor for the sublime grape to found Italy’s first School of Winemaking in 1876. Valentina Di Donato, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2021 Mica was sublime in the golden light of the sunset. Sylvia Jorif, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2022 Wading through the nostalgic brain candy that is Astro’s Playroom with this beautiful haptic feedback gamepad is sublime. Mitch Wallace, Forbes, 26 Aug. 2022 While Simmons’ defensive skill playing for the Philadelphia 76ers was sublime, his shooting ability and interest in taking big shots was suspect in Brooklyn. Lance Pugmire, USA TODAY, 24 Aug. 2022 The show’s selection of music and needle drops has always been sublime. Scott Huver, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Aug. 2022 Some of it was sublime, like the octopus salad, which grabbed my soul with suction cups and eight arms of saudade. Brian Amaral, BostonGlobe.com, 9 June 2022 Horses are symbols and stories — some banal, others sublime. Margaret Wappler, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2021 See More Word History Etymology Verb Middle English, from Middle French sublimer, from Medieval Latin sublimare to refine, sublime, from Latin, to elevate, from sublimis Adjective Latin sublimis, literally, high, elevated First Known Use Verb 14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1 Adjective circa 1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1a Phrases Containing sublime the sublime from the sublime to the ridiculous the sublime from the sublime to the ridiculous Kids Definition sublime adjective sub·lime sə-ˈblīm 1 : grand or noble in thought, expression, or manner sublime truths 2 : beautiful or impressive enough to arouse a feeling of admiration and wonder sublime scenery Medical Definition sublime verb sub·lime sə-ˈblīm sublimed; subliming transitive verb : to cause to pass from the solid to the vapor state by heating and to condense back to solid form intransitive verb : to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state sublimeness noun as in majesty impressiveness of beauty on a large scale the awe-inspiring sublimeness of Yosemite Valley Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance majesty brilliance elegance glory grandeur gloriousness wonderfulness magnificence nobility resplendence resplendency stupendousness nobleness marvelousness gorgeousness grandness wondrousness splendiferousness splendor splendidness stateliness awesomeness richness dignity opulence luxuriousness sumptuousness superbness luxuriance augustness lavishness ornateness swankiness formidability grace gaudiness elaborateness grandiosity princeliness remarkableness luxury ostentation extraordinariness showiness ritziness poshness flashiness pretentiousness
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sublime

verb

adjective

Did you know?

Synonyms

Example Sentences

Word History

Phrases Containing sublime

Kids Definition

adjective

Medical Definition

verb

noun