Definition of: sublime

(sə·blīm′) adjective
1. Characterized by elevation, nobility, or awe; grand; solemn.
2. Preeminent for nobility of character or attainment; majestic; noble: said of persons.
3. Being of the highest degree; supreme; utmost.
4. Poetic Of lofty bearing; haughty; proud; elated.
—noun That which is sublime, in any sense: usually with the definite article.
—v. ·limed, ·lim·ing v.t.
1. To make sublime; ennoble.
2. To purify by sublimating.
—v.i. To become sublimated. [<L sublimis lofty, prob. <sub- up to, under + limen a lintel]
—sub·lime′ly adverb
—sub·lim′er noun
—sub·lim·i·ty (sə·blim′ə·tē), sub·lime′ness noun Synonyms (adj.): beautiful, exalted, grand, lofty, magnificent, majestic, stately. Sublime represents the ultimate, the quintessence, and is seldom applied to persons. What is beautiful attracts, but what is sublime transcends the beautiful and inspires awe rather than simple delight. Majestic refers exclusively to superficial effect which makes an impression but has no connection with moral greatness. Magnificent denotes the possession at once of greatness, splendor, and richness; as, magnificent array. See GRAND. Antonyms: base, contemptible, insignificant, little, mean, petty, ridiculous.