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Superlative vs Sublime - What's the difference?

superlative | sublime |

As nouns the difference between superlative and sublime

is that superlative is the highest extent or degree of something while sublime is something sublime.

As adjectives the difference between superlative and sublime

is that superlative is exceptionally good; of the highest quality; superb while sublime is noble and majestic.

As a verb sublime is

to sublimate.

superlative

English

(wikipedia superlative)

Noun

(en noun)
  • The highest extent or degree of something.
  • (label) The form of an adjective that expresses which of more than two items has the highest degree of the quality expressed by the adjective; in English, formed by appending "-est" to the end of the adjective (for some short adjectives only) or putting "most" before it.
  • (label) An adjective used to praise something exceptional.

    • Synonyms

    * (highest degree) acme, peak

    Related terms

    * superlative degree

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Exceptionally good; of the highest quality; superb.
  • (grammar) Of or relating to a superlative.

    • Usage notes

    Rather formal, reflecting its Latin etymology; more colloquial alternatives include exceptional, fabulous, above and beyond, and others.

    Synonyms

    * (exceptionally good) above and beyond, exceptional, extraordinary, superb

    See also

    * absolute * comparative * elative ----

    sublime

    English

    Etymology 1

    From (etyl) (m), from (etyl) (m), from (etyl) .

    Verb

    (sublim)
  • (chemistry, physics) To sublimate.
  • To raise on high.
  • * E. P. Whipple
    • A soul sublimed by an idea above the region of vanity and conceit.
  • To exalt; to heighten; to improve; to purify.
  • * Alexander Pope
    • The sun / Which not alone the southern wit sublimes , / But ripens spirits in cold, northern climes.
  • To dignify; to ennoble.
  • * Jeremy Taylor
    • An ordinary gift cannot sublime a person to a supernatural employment.
    Related terms
    * sublimation

    Etymology 2

    From (etyl)

    Adjective

    (er)
  • Noble and majestic.
  • * De Quincey
    • the sublime Julian leader
  • Impressive and awe-inspiring.
    • sublime''' scenery; a '''sublime deed
  • * Prior
    • Easy in words thy style, in sense sublime .
  • * Longfellow
    • Know how sublime a thing it is / To suffer and be strong.
  • (obsolete) Lifted up; high in place; exalted aloft; uplifted; lofty.
  • * Dryden
    • Sublime on these a tower of steel is reared.
  • (obsolete) Elevated by joy; elated.
  • * Milton
    • Their hearts were jocund and sublime , / Drunk with idolatry, drunk with wine.
  • Lofty of mien; haughty; proud.
  • * Spenser
    • countenance sublime and insolent
  • * Milton
    • His fair, large front and eye sublime declared / Absolute rule.

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • Something sublime.

    • Anagrams

    * ----