Definition of SUBLIMED (original) (raw)
1
: to cause to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state and condense back to solid form
2
[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
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
c
capitalized : supreme —used in a style of address
Did you know?
At first glance, the question of whether sublime and sublimate are related might seem like an easy one to answer, as they appear to come from the same source. However, the most common senses in which each of these words is used today are dissimilar enough to give pause. The two words are indeed related, and in some senses are in fact synonymous. Both share the meaning “to cause to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state and condense back to solid form,” although this is not widely used except among chemists. Sublime was first used as a verb with the above meaning, and after a century or two of such use took on the adjectival role in which it is often found today (“the concert was a sublime experience”). Sublimate has had several meanings as a verb (including “to elevate to a place of honor” and “to give a more elevated character to”) before coming to its common meaning today, which is “to divert the expression of (an instinctual desire or impulse) from its unacceptable form to one that is considered more socially or culturally acceptable.”
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for sublime
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.
glorious suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction.
sublime implies an exaltation or elevation almost beyond human comprehension.
a vision of sublime beauty
superb suggests an excellence reaching the highest conceivable degree.
Examples of sublime in a Sentence
Verb
… 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
Adjective
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
He composed some of the most sublime symphonies in existence. the sublime beauty of the canyon
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Townshend once wrote that the name sublimed out of Britishness itself—it’s been slang for an English soldier since the eighteenth century—but also out of his own spiritual yearning. —Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2024 And while not delineated by movement, its moods took dramatic swings from anguish, exhaustion and joy to sublime resignation and pure frustration (i.e. a primal scream from all four members). —Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024
How the temperature and timing of the pour can be the difference between a sublime cup of caffeinated goodness or diner-level swill. —Anthony Karcz, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 Sunsets over the water are sublime, particularly when the restaurant hosts special events like seafood boils or brings in live music on Sundays. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sublime 
Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English, from Middle French sublimer, from Medieval Latin sublimare to refine, sublime, from Latin, to elevate, from sublimis
Adjective
Latin sublimis, literally, high, elevated
First Known Use
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1
Adjective
circa 1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of sublime was in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near sublime
Cite this Entry
“Sublime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sublime. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.
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Last Updated: 23 Sep 2024 - Definition revised
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