Definition Definition

Sublime - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'Sublime' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Sublime [ n.]
- That which is sublime; -- with the definite article
- A grand or lofty style in speaking or writing; a style that expresses lofty conceptions.
- That which is grand in nature or art, as distinguished from the merely beautiful.
2 . Sublime [ superl.]
- Lifted up; high in place; exalted aloft; uplifted; lofty.
- Distinguished by lofty or noble traits; eminent; -- said of persons.
- Awakening or expressing the emotion of awe, adoration, veneration, heroic resolve, etc.; dignified; grand; solemn; stately; -- said of an impressive object in nature, of an action, of a discourse, of a work of art, of a spectacle, etc.; as, sublime scenery; a sublime deed.
- Elevated by joy; elate.
- Lofty of mien; haughty; proud.
3 . Sublime [ v. i.]
- To pass off in vapor, with immediate condensation; specifically, to evaporate or volatilize from the solid state without apparent melting; -- said of those substances, like arsenic, benzoic acid, etc., which do not exhibit a liquid form on heating, except under increased pressure.
4 . Sublime [ v. t.]
- To raise on high.
- To subject to the process of sublimation; to heat, volatilize, and condense in crystals or powder; to distill off, and condense in solid form; hence, also, to purify.
- To exalt; to heighten; to improve; to purify.
- To dignify; to ennoble.

Meaning of 'Sublime' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . sublime [ v]
Meaning (1):
- change or cause to change directly from a solid into a vapor without first melting
Example in sentence:
  • some salts sublime when heated;
  • sublime iodine
2 . sublime [ s]
Meaning (2):
- of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style
Example in sentence:
  • a grand purpose;
  • a noble and lofty concept;
  • an exalted ideal;
  • argue in terms of high-flown ideals
Meaning (3):
- inspiring awe
Example in sentence:
  • empyrean aplomb;
  • the sublime beauty of the night;
  • well-meaning ineptitude that rises to empyreal absurdity
Meaning (4):
- greatest or maximal in degree; extreme
Example in sentence:
  • His face assumed an expression of sublime conceit;
  • supreme folly;
  • the sublime absurdity of the creative process;
  • the supreme confidence of youth
Meaning (5):
- lifted up or set high
Example in sentence:
  • their hearts were jocund and sublime