As I begin to delve into this project about the origins of the word “sublime” and how it has changed over time, I start with basic knowledge of two definitions of the word. First, I know that the adjective definition is “of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe.” Second, that “sublime” can be used as a verb with the chemical meaning, “[of a solid substance] change directly into a vapor when heated.” I find this mix of intangible and physical meanings especially intriguing. In addition, the almost magical sense of each definition – for both achieving the level of the sublime and the wondrous transformation of a solid into gas is awe-inspiring – makes this word even more of a curiosity for me. I look forward to expanding my knowledge and learning much more about the word “sublime.”
