Sublime

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -aɪm

Origin

From Middle French sublime, from Latin sublīmis ("high"), from sub- ("up to", "upwards") + uncertain, often identified with Latin līmis, ablative singular of līmus ("oblique") or līmen ("threshold", "entrance", "lintel")

Full definition of sublime

Adjective

1. Noble and majestic.
• De Quinceythe sublime Julian leader
2. Impressive and awe-inspiring.sublime scenery; a sublime deed
• PriorEasy in words thy style, in sense sublime.
• LongfellowKnow how sublime a thing it is
  To suffer and be strong.
3. (obsolete) Lifted up; high in place; exalted aloft; uplifted; lofty.
• DrydenSublime on these a tower of steel is reared.
4. (obsolete) Elevated by joy; elated.
• MiltonTheir hearts were jocund and sublime,
  Drunk with idolatry, drunk with wine.
5. Lofty of mien; haughty; proud.
• Spensercountenance sublime and insolent
• MiltonHis fair, large front and eye sublime declared
  Absolute rule.

Noun

1. something sublime

Verb

1. (chemistry, physics) To sublimate.
2. To raise on high.
• E. P. WhippleA soul sublimed by an idea above the region of vanity and conceit.
3. To exalt; to heighten; to improve; to purify.
• Alexander PopeThe sun ...
  Which not alone the southern wit sublimes,
  But ripens spirits in cold, northern climes.
4. To dignify; to ennoble.
• Jeremy TaylorAn ordinary gift cannot sublime a person to a supernatural employment.

Related terms

• sublimation

Anagrams

• blueism