Sublimate (Verb)
Meaning 1
Vaporize and then condense right back again.
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
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Meaning 2
Remove impurities from, increase the concentration of, and separate through the process of distillation; "purify the water".
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
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Meaning 3
Change or cause to change directly from a solid into a vapor without first melting; "sublime iodine"; "some salts sublime when heated".
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
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Meaning 4
Direct energy or urges into useful activities.
Classification
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming.
Examples
- She learned to sublimate her competitive drive into a successful business career.
- The amateur boxer found a way to sublimate his aggression into a useful outlet on the boxing ring.
- By channeling her emotions into art, the painter managed to sublimate her grief into something beautiful.
- He decided to sublimate his passion for adventure into a career as a travel writer and explorer.
- The musician found a way to sublimate her anxiety into powerful lyrics and music.
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Meaning 5
Make more subtle or refined.
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- Their director's nuanced approach helped to sublimate the darker themes of the play into a more palatable production.
- Through meditation and self-reflection, Sarah learned to sublimate her emotions, thereby becoming more even-tempered.
- The writer took great care to sublimate her experiences into art that didn't feel forced or overly sentimental.
- Extensive travel allowed her to sublimate her narrow perspectives and become more open-minded and worldly.
- A good friend can sublimate painful memories into opportunities for healing and personal growth.