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¹sublime

verb sub·lime \sə-ˈblīm\

sub·limedsub·lim·ing

Definition of SUBLIME

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)

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

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Examples of SUBLIME

… 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
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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

²sublime

adjective sub·lime \sə-ˈblīm\

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

: complete or extreme

sub·lim·ersub·lim·est

Full Definition of SUBLIME

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

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

See sublime defined for English-language learners

Examples of SUBLIME

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
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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

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 Kids