French word

sublime

Pronunciation

IPA/syblim/

Meaning

  • adjectivewonderful

Example

C'est sublime.

It's wonderful.

Illustration for sublime (wonderful)

More examples

Nous avons vécu une expérience sublime.

We had a wonderful experience.

Core concept

A scene or creation lifted above the ordinary, with beauty and greatness that inspire awe.

Common phrases

  • une expérience sublime

    a wonderful experience

  • une soirée sublime

    a wonderful evening

  • une voix sublime

    a wonderful voice

Similar words

magnifique: Exceptionally impressive in appearance or quality, and deeply moving.
superbe: Exceptionally attractive or well made, with a striking visual presence.
splendide: Radiant and beautiful in its light, color, or form.
merveilleux: So excellent that it inspires amazement and great joy.

Definition in French

Qui inspire un sentiment d'admiration élevé, souvent par sa beauté, sa grandeur ou sa perfection.

Word origin

French sublime comes through Old French from Latin sublimis, meaning high or elevated, and developed toward the sense of awe-inspiring excellence.

Usage tips

  • Sublime has the same form for masculine and feminine singular nouns, as in un paysage sublime and une oeuvre sublime.

Other meanings

  • exaltedadjective
  • majesticadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • sublimerelevateverb
  • le sublimethe sublimenoun

Word lists with this word