First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1sublime
verb sub·lime \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
intransitive verb
: to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state
— sub·lim·able \-ˈblī-mə-bəl\ adjective
— sub·lim·er noun
See sublime defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
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
- [+]more
Origin of SUBLIME
Middle English, from Middle French sublimer, from Medieval Latin sublimare to refine, sublime, from Latin, to elevate, from sublimis
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
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
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
- [+]more
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
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>.
SUBLIMENESS Defined for Kids
sublime
adjective sub·lime \sə-ˈblīm\
Definition of SUBLIME for Kids
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\
sub·limedsub·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
Learn More About SUBLIME
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: sublimed blue leadPrevious Word in the Dictionary: sublimatorAll Words Near: sublime
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up sublime? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).