I. sə-ˈblīm verb
( sub·limed ; sub·lim·ing )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French sublimer, from Medieval Latin sublimare to refine, sublime, from Latin, to elevate, from sublimis
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
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
intransitive verb
: to pass directly from the solid to the vapor state
• sub·lim·able -ˈblī-mə-bəl adjective
• sub·lim·er noun
II. adjective
( sub·lim·er ; -est )
Etymology: Latin sublimis, literally, high, elevated
Date: circa 1567
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.
a. archaic : high in place
b. obsolete : lofty of mien : haughty
c. capitalized : supreme — used in a style of address
d. : complete , utter
sublime ignorance
Synonyms: see splendid
• sub·lime·ly adverb
• sub·lime·ness noun