Sublimity: meaning, definitions and examples
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sublimity
[sษหblษชmษชti ]
Definition
noun
The quality or state of being sublime; loftiness; grandeur; exalted excellence; as, the sublimity of the universe.
Synonyms
grandeur, majesty, nobility, splendor.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sublimity |
Use to describe something that is elevated, lofty, or awe-inspiring, often with a sense of moral or artistic highness.
|
| grandeur |
Appropriate for describing something that is grand, magnificent, or imposing, often in terms of architecture or nature.
|
| majesty |
Best used when referring to royal or noble presence, or something that commands respect and admiration due to its beauty or grandeur.
|
| nobility |
Describes high moral qualities, often referring to character, honor, or integrity, rather than physical appearance.
|
| splendor |
Use for something that is brilliant, magnificent, or impressively beautiful, often referring to appearances or events.
|
Examples of usage
- The sublimity of the mountain peak took my breath away.
- The sublimity of the music moved the audience to tears.
- The sublimity of the sunset painted the sky in hues of gold and pink.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'sublimis', meaning 'uplifted' or 'high', suggesting something elevated in quality.
- In the 18th century, philosophers like Immanuel Kant wrote about the concept of sublimity, tying beauty to feelings of awe.
- The term has evolved over centuries to encompass not just beauty but also profound emotional experiences.
Philosophy
- Sublimity often involves a clash of overwhelming grandeur and personal feelings, prompting deep reflection.
- Kant differentiated between the beautiful and the sublime, highlighting that the latter evokes feelings we can't fully comprehend.
- The sublime challenges our understanding, pushing us beyond familiar limits, which is why it can be both thrilling and frightening.
Art and Literature
- Romantic poets like Wordsworth and Shelley focused on the sublime in nature, describing how it invokes deep emotional responses.
- In art, the sublime is often represented through vast landscapes or dramatic scenes that capture the overwhelming force of nature.
- The concept inspired movements like Romanticism, where artists sought to evoke powerful feelings in their work.
Psychology
- Experiencing sublimity is tied to heightened emotional states, often promoting a sense of peace or connection to something greater.
- Research suggests that inspiring awe through nature or art can enhance well-being and foster social bonding.
- The feeling of sublimity can lead to changes in perspective, making people feel more open to experiences and ideas.
Cultural Significance
- Many cultures celebrate the sublime through landscapes, music, and spiritual experiences that invoke awe and wonder.
- In Eastern philosophies, the sublime can also reflect the nature of existence, showing the beauty in transience.
- Public experiences, like witnessing a breathtaking sunrise or a grand performance, often evoke a collective sense of sublimity.
Translations
Translations of the word "sublimity" in other languages:
๐ต๐น sublimidade
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคคเฅเคเฅเคทเฅเคเคคเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Erhabenheit
๐ฎ๐ฉ keagungan
๐บ๐ฆ ะฒะตะปะธั
๐ต๐ฑ wzniosลoลฤ
๐ฏ๐ต ๅด้ซ
๐ซ๐ท sublimitรฉ
๐ช๐ธ sublimidad
๐น๐ท yรผcelik
๐ฐ๐ท ์ญ๊ณ ํจ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุณูู ููู
๐จ๐ฟ vzneลกenost
๐ธ๐ฐ vzneลกenosลฅ
๐จ๐ณ ๅด้ซ
๐ธ๐ฎ vzviลกenost
๐ฎ๐ธ upphaf
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐัาะฐาััา
๐ฌ๐ช แแฆแแแขแแแฃแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ ucaqlฤฑq
๐ฒ๐ฝ sublimidad