In common use, sublime is an adjective meaning “awe-inspiringly grand, excellent, or impressive,” like the best chocolate fudge sundae you’ve ever had.
Some common synonyms of sublime are glorious, gorgeous, resplendent , splendid, and superb.
| adjective sublime | comparative sublimer | superlative sublimest |
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Our words sublime and sublimation are based on the Latin word sublimis , a compound of sub- “under; up to” and limin “threshold”, so etymologically having the sense of “as high as the top of a door”. It could literally mean “lofty; raised up” but also had a figurative sense in Latin of “exalted; eminent, aspiring”.
sublime. Antonyms: low, depressed , unexalted, inconspicuous, unimposing, ordinary, mean, ignoble, inglorious, base, ridiculous. Synonyms: raised, exalted, lofty, elevated, eminent, grand, stately, high, noble, majestic, glorious, magnificent.
The definition of sublime is something majestic, impressive or intellectually valuable. ... An example of sublime is a beautifully presented, formal six course meal .
unparalleled ; supreme: a sublime compliment.
You would use sublime to describe a painting, an expensive food , or a beautiful room.
2 adj You can use sublime to emphasize a quality that someone or something has , usually a quality that is undesirable or negative.
Sublime, in literary criticism, grandeur of thought, emotion, and spirit that characterizes great literature .
Why does “sublime” mean “elevated,” while “subliminal” implies “ beneath “? “Sub” means “under, below, beneath, down” [AHD]. ... It turns out that sublime and subliminal both have to do with the “lintel,” Latin limen.
sublimer; sublimest. Definition of sublime (Entry 2 of 2) 1a : 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.
If you describe someone or something as awe-inspiring, you are emphasizing that you think that they are remarkable and amazing, although sometimes rather frightening . ...a museum with an awe-inspiring display of jewellery.
The noun sublimity describes a characteristic that’s a little hard to pin down . When something is sublime, it transcends greatness or beauty for the observer — like a deeply moving film or a transcendent piece of music.
Amira writes about philosophy and religion, exploring ethical questions, spiritual practices, and the world's diverse belief systems.