sublime

verb sub·lime \ sə-ˈblīm \

|Updated on: 17 Jun 2018

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Examples: sublime in a Sentence

Editor's Note: sublime vs. sublimate

Definition of sublime

sublimed; subliming

transitive verb

1 : 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)

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

intransitive verb

: to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state

—

sublimable

play \sə-ˈblī-mə-bəl\ adjective

—

sublimer

noun

See sublime defined for kids

Examples of sublime in a Sentence

… 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

Recent Examples of sublime from the Web

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

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sublime.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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.”

Origin and Etymology of sublime

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

sublime

adjective sub·lime \ sə-ˈblīm \

Definition of sublime

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

See sublime defined for English-language learners

Examples of sublime in a Sentence

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 of sublime from the Web

Thiem however was able to hold serve regularly and had a chance to get back on serve but his break chance at 2-4 evaporated when Nadal hit a sublime drop shot, then passing shot.

— ravi ubha, CNN, "Rafael Nadal beats Dominic Thiem for 11th French Open title," 10 June 2018
Just as Yzerman's early offensive wizardry and Sergei Federov's two-way electricity reached a more sublime athletic level than Howe.

— shawn windsor, Detroit Free Press, "1 G.O.A.T. to rule 'em all? Who's the greatest in Detroit team sports?," 10 June 2018
The East trained massively muscled shot-putters; the West, sublime shot-makers.

— The Economist, "For all its faults, the World Cup in Russia is worth celebrating," 9 June 2018
The production is sublime, as synths and hollow drums surround Cudi’s vocals.

— andreas hale, Billboard, "5 Things We Learned After Our First Listen to Kanye West & Kid Cudi's 'Kids See Ghosts'," 8 June 2018
The show has sublime writing and often great acting.

— The Christian Science Monitor, "What are you watching? Readers recommend 'Big Little Lies,' 'The Americans'," 1 June 2018
Back at El Camino on Saturday, Chahal was sublime in winning the 1,600 in a school-record mark of 4:11.09.

— andrew j. campa, latimes.com, "Burroughs track and field's Chahal, Switzer aim for more history," 29 May 2018
To walk the streets of St. Petersburg, Russia, on a clear evening during the white nights of June is one of the world’s more sublime urban experiences.

— fen montaigne, New York Times, "From the Czars to Putin: A History of Russia’s Imperial City," 11 May 2018
From exquisite canapés and sumptuous mini meals through to dazzling food stations and luxurious dining, our outstanding chefs love to create sublime gastronomic experiences for our guests. . .

— carrie goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "This is the Wedding Menu Harry and Meghan Will Likely Serve on May 19th," 7 May 2018

Origin and Etymology of sublime

Latin sublimis, literally, high, elevated

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1567

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

sublime Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of sublime

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 Defined for English Language Learners

sublime

adjective

Definition of sublime for English Language Learners

: very beautiful or good : causing strong feelings of admiration or wonder
: complete or extreme

SUBLIME Defined for Kids

sublime

adjective sub·lime \ sə-ˈblīm \

Definition of sublime for Students

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 Dictionary

sublime

verb sub·lime \ sə-ˈblīm \

medical Definition of sublime

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

Learn More about sublime

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sublime Spanish Central: Translation of sublime Nglish: Translation of sublime for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of sublime for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sublime

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sublime

Definition of sublime

sublimable

sublimer

Examples of sublime in a Sentence

Recent Examples of sublime from the Web

sublime vs. sublimate

Origin and Etymology of sublime

sublime

Definition of sublime

sublimely

sublimeness

Examples of sublime in a Sentence

Recent Examples of sublime from the Web

Origin and Etymology of sublime

sublime Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Near Antonyms

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Synonym Discussion of sublime

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SUBLIME Defined for English Language Learners

sublime

Definition of sublime for English Language Learners

SUBLIME Defined for Kids

sublime

Definition of sublime for Students

Medical Dictionary

sublime

medical Definition of sublime

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