Sublimity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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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.
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| grandeur |
Appropriate for describing something that is grand, magnificent, or imposing, often in terms of architecture or nature.
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| majesty |
Best used when referring to royal or noble presence, or something that commands respect and admiration due to its beauty or grandeur.
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| 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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'sublimity'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'sublimity' originated from the Latin word 'sublimitas', which means loftiness or sublimeness. It was first recorded in English in the 15th century. Throughout history, the concept of sublimity has been associated with the awe-inspiring, the magnificent, and the transcendent. It has been a recurring theme in literature, art, and philosophy, symbolizing the highest form of greatness and beauty.
See also: sublimation.