sublime

¹sub·lime

verb \sə-ˈblīm\

sub·limedsub·lim·ing

Definition of SUBLIME

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

— sub·lim·able \-ˈblī-mə-bəl\ adjective

— sub·lim·er noun

Examples of SUBLIME

1. … 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
2. 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

Origin of SUBLIME

Middle English, from Middle French sublimer, from Medieval Latin sublimare to refine, sublime, from Latin, to elevate, from sublimis

First Known Use: 14th century

²sub·lime

adjective \sə-ˈblīm\

sub·lim·ersub·lim·est

Definition of SUBLIME

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>

— sub·lime·ly adverb

— sub·lime·ness noun

Examples of SUBLIME

1. He composed some of the most sublime symphonies in existence.
2. the sublime beauty of the canyon
3. 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
4. Judging by the satisfied look that settles on both men's faces, the meal was sublime. —Kathleen Brennan, Saveur, November 2004
5. 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

Origin of SUBLIME

Latin sublimis, literally, high, elevated

First Known Use: circa 1567

Related to SUBLIME

Synonyms

amazing, astonishing, astounding, awesome, awful, eye-opening, fabulous, miraculous, portentous, prodigious, staggering, stunning, stupendous, marvelous, surprising, wonderful, wondrous

Antonyms

base, debased, degenerate, degraded, ignoble, low

Related Words

incomprehensible, inconceivable, incredible, unbelievable, unimaginable, unthinkable; extraordinary, phenomenal, rare, sensational, spectacular; singular, uncommon, unique, unusual, unwonted; conspicuous, notable, noticeable, outstanding, remarkable; impressive, smashing, striking; mind-bending, mind-blowing, mind-boggling; animating, energizing, enlightening, enlivening, exciting, galvanizing, invigorating, stimulating; alluring, attracting, attractive, beguiling, bewitching, captivating, charming, enchanting, entertaining, enthralling, fascinating, interesting

Near Antonyms

unimpressive, uninspiring, unremarkable; boring, dull, jading, monotonous, tedious, tiring, uninspired, uninteresting, wearisome, weary, wearying; common, customary, mundane, normal, ordinary, typical, unexceptional, usual; draining, enervating, exhausting, fatiguing, wearing; debilitating, enfeebling; demoralizing, discouraging, disheartening, dispiriting

See Synonym Discussion at splendid

sub·lime

verb \sə-ˈblīm\   (Medical Dictionary)

sub·limed; sub·lim·ing

Medical Definition of SUBLIME

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