a. [ Compar. Sublimer superl. Sublimest. ] [ L. sublimis; sub under + (perhaps) a word akin to limen lintel, sill, thus meaning, up to the lintel: cf. F. sublime. Cf. Eliminate. ] 1. Lifted up; high in place; exalted aloft; uplifted; lofty. [ 1913 Webster ] Sublime on these a tower of steel is reared. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Distinguished by lofty or noble traits; eminent; -- said of persons. “The sublime Julian leader.” De Quincey. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Awakening or expressing the emotion of awe, adoration, veneration, heroic resolve, etc.; dignified; grand; solemn; stately; -- said of an impressive object in nature, of an action, of a discourse, of a work of art, of a spectacle, etc.; as, sublime scenery; a sublime deed. [ 1913 Webster ] Easy in words thy style, in sense sublime. Prior. [ 1913 Webster ] Know how sublime a thing it is To suffer and be strong. Longfellow. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. Elevated by joy; elate. [ Poetic ] [ 1913 Webster ] Their hearts were jocund and sublime, Drunk with idolatry, drunk with wine. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. Lofty of mien; haughty; proud. [ Poetic ] “Countenance sublime and insolent.” Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ] His fair, large front and eye sublime declared Absolute rule. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- Exalted; lofty; noble; majestic. See Grand. [ 1913 Webster ] |