sublime
- 01 C1 Advanced
adj.so beautiful or grand that it makes you feel deep respect or wonder.
adj.of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration and awe.
Simple“The view from the top of the mountain was truly sublime.”
In context“The composer's final symphony achieved a sublime beauty that left the audience in a state of profound silence.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.of very high quality; perfect or wonderful.
adj.denoting a state of being consummate or perfect; often used in a slightly lighter or more modern sense to mean excellent.
Simple“The chocolate cake we had for dessert was sublime.”
In context“The chef's ability to balance such contrasting flavours was nothing short of sublime.”
Teacher's tipIn casual conversation, this is often used as a strong synonym for 'delicious' or 'wonderful'.
Synonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
adj.used to describe a quality that is extreme or total, often in a way that is surprising.
adj.used to describe a quality that is extreme, absolute, or unparalleled, often in a negative or ironic context.
Simple“He showed a sublime indifference to the rules of the game.”
In context“There is a sublime arrogance in assuming that the local population would simply accept the new laws without protest.”
UsageOften used before a noun to emphasize a specific trait.
- 04 C2 Proficiency
v.to change a substance directly from a solid into a gas without it becoming a liquid first.
v.to convert a substance from a solid state directly into a vapour by heat, and then allow it to solidify again.
Simple“Dry ice will sublime at room temperature.”
In context“In the laboratory, the iodine was heated until it began to sublime, forming a rich purple vapour against the glass.”
UsageUsed as both a transitive and intransitive verb in chemical contexts.
Teacher's tipIn modern science, 'sublimate' is more common as a verb, but 'sublime' is still technically correct.
Synonymssublimate - 05 C2 Proficiency
n.the most beautiful or perfect example of something.
n.the greatest or supreme degree of a quality; that which is awe-inspiring or transcendent.
Simple“The painting is a perfect example of the sublime in romantic art.”
In context“The poet spent his life trying to capture the sublime through his descriptions of the natural world.”
UsageUsually preceded by 'the'.
Teacher's tipThis is a key term in 18th-century philosophy and art history.
Synonyms
“A decade ago, three of the finest voices in Americana got together to make a sublime supergroup record.”
“Aimed at those under 12 months, Kerry Cleland’s show for Starcatchers is a sublime aquatic-themed experience, staged for three hours at a time, allowing you to come and go.”