Sublime Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sublime

[səˈblaɪm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling or quality

of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe

Synonyms

excellent, glorious, magnificent, splendid.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sublime	Used to describe something that inspires great admiration or awe because of its beauty or excellence. Often used in artistic and natural contexts. The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely sublime. Her performance in the play was truly sublime, leaving the audience in tears.
excellent	Used to describe something that is very good in quality or exceptionally well done. Commonly used in various everyday contexts, such as work, school, and customer service. She received an excellent grade on her final exam. The restaurant has excellent service and delicious food.
magnificent	Used to describe something that is extremely beautiful, impressive, or excellent. Suitable for describing grand and impressive things, such as architecture, scenery, or achievements. The palace was magnificent, with its towering spires and intricate details. Her dress was magnificent, shimmering with every step she took.
splendid	Used to describe something that is very impressive and beautiful. Often used in positive descriptions of events, performances, or appearances. The performance was splendid, drawing applause from the entire audience. They enjoyed a splendid dinner at their favorite restaurant.
glorious	Used to describe something that is splendid and beautiful in a way that evokes admiration and praise. Often used to describe events, weather, and achievements. The team celebrated a glorious victory after months of hard work. We enjoyed a glorious sunny day at the beach.

Examples of usage

The view from the top of the mountain was truly sublime.
The music had a sublime quality that touched the soul.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

philosophy

a concept or idea that is of a high moral, aesthetic, intellectual, or spiritual value

Synonyms

excellence, grandeur, magnificence, nobility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sublime	Usually used to describe something of such excellence or beauty that it inspires great admiration or awe. Often associated with an almost otherworldly quality. The mountain scenery was simply sublime. Her voice was of a sublime quality during the performance.
excellence	Used when referring to the quality of being outstanding or extremely good in a specific area. Doesn't necessarily evoke emotional awe but communicates superiority or high standard. The university is known for its academic excellence. Her work demonstrated a consistent level of excellence.
magnificence	Used to describe something that is richly beautiful or stunningly impressive. Often used in the context of visual impact, like glorious landscapes or luxurious items. The magnificence of the royal garden left everyone in awe. They admired the magnificence of the sunset.
nobility	Refers to the quality of being noble in character or having high moral standards. It can also relate to aristocratic status but is often used to highlight honorable behavior. Her actions during the crisis showed true nobility of spirit. The king's nobility was admired by his subjects.
grandeur	Typically used to describe something that is impressive because of its size, power, or beauty. Often used in the context of architecture, nature, or events with a sense of grandeur or importance. The grandeur of the palace was breathtaking. The ceremony was filled with grandeur and elegance.

Examples of usage

In romanticism, nature was often seen as a sublime force.
The artist aimed to capture the sublime in his paintings.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

In philosophy, particularly in aesthetics, sublime refers to an experience that transcends ordinary limits, invoking feelings of beauty mixed with awe or fear.
Immanuel Kant argued that the sublime arises from our ability to reflect on the vastness of nature, contrasting our finite existence against infinity.

Art and Literature

Romantic poets like Wordsworth and Shelley viewed the sublime as a key theme, expressing the beauty and terror of nature in their works.
The concept has inspired countless artworks, where artists aim to depict moments that elevate the viewer's spirit or provoke deep emotions.

Science

In science, particularly in chemistry, 'sublimation' describes the process where a solid changes directly into gas, illustrating a transformation, akin to the concept of sublime experiences.
The process of sublimation has practical applications, such as in freeze-drying food, which preserves flavors while changing its state.

Pop Culture

The term 'sublime' has influenced the names of bands and works in popular culture, such as the band 'Sublime', known for blending reggae and punk music.
Movies and literature often utilize the term to describe extraordinary experiences or elements, influencing how audiences perceive beauty in various forms.

Origin of 'sublime'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'sublimis', which means 'uplifted' or 'high', indicating something elevated or noble.
It was first used in English in the 14th century, often relating to both physical elevation and emotional experiences.

The word 'sublime' originated from the Latin word 'sublimis', meaning 'uplifted' or 'lofty'. It was first used in the English language in the 16th century to describe something of outstanding beauty or excellence. Over time, 'sublime' has come to represent not just physical beauty, but also intellectual, spiritual, and moral greatness.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,667 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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8665 habitats
8666 maximize
8667 sublime
8668 suction
8669 transformer
8670 emotionally
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