a sublime experience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sublime experience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an experience that is exceptionally beautiful, inspiring, or transcendent. Example: "The concert was a sublime experience, leaving the audience in awe of the musicians' talent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"It was a sublime experience".

The Guardian - Arts

He claimed to have had "a sublime experience".

The New York Times - Books

Eating at La Ferme is a sublime experience.

The Guardian - Travel

DW Why is Ang Lee's film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon such a sublime experience?

The Guardian - Film

The absolute freshness of the fish, the unusual variety of selections and the beauty of the chef's creations all form a sublime experience.

The New York Times

The absolute freshness of the fish, the unusual variety of selections and the beauty of the chef's creations combine to form a sublime experience.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The lowered cage however, exposes you to an almost sublime experience.

Huffington Post

The mayor opted for only a small taste of lemon ice, passing on the sublime experience of an entire cup of the icy confection flavored with peanut butter, perhaps his favorite seasoning.

The New York Times

Thus, the self-consciousness involved in sublime experience affords a felt recognition of one's ability to change one's attitudes and behavior actively to turn one's attention away from one's egoistic strivings for a time.

SEP

Sure, she could sometimes slip into bitterness and loss (and may have become a touch too original in "Discussing the Undiscussable"), but at her best she transcended the bounds of her criticism — filing a sensory report on the sort of sublime experience into which only the love of rhythmic glide and step can plunge you.

The New Yorker

It is such a sublime dining experience it will tempt even the committed vegetarian to fall off the wagon for an evening.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sublime experience" to describe moments that evoke a sense of awe, wonder, or profound beauty. This phrase works well when discussing art, nature, or deeply personal moments of insight.

Common error

Avoid using "a sublime experience" to describe everyday occurrences or minor pleasures. This dilutes the phrase's impact and can sound hyperbolic. Reserve it for genuinely exceptional and transformative moments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sublime experience" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes a particular type of experience characterized by exceptional beauty, awe, or transcendence, as evidenced by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sublime experience" is a commonly used phrase to describe moments of exceptional beauty, awe, or transcendence. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, although it's essential to reserve it for truly remarkable moments to avoid diluting its impact. The phrase frequently appears in news and media sources, indicating its widespread understanding and appreciation. Alternatives like "an exquisite moment" or "a transcendent encounter" can be used to express similar sentiments with slightly different nuances. Overall, the phrase effectively conveys a sense of profound appreciation and wonder.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a peak experience

Refers to a moment of intense joy, fulfillment, and meaning.

a profoundly moving experience

Highlights the emotional impact of the experience, emphasizing its depth and sincerity.

an awe-inspiring event

Emphasizes the feeling of wonder and respect caused by the experience.

a transcendent encounter

Suggests an experience that goes beyond the ordinary limits of perception, emphasizing spiritual or intellectual upliftment.

a deeply enriching experience

Emphasizes the personal growth and positive development resulting from the experience.

an exquisite moment

Refers to a finely beautiful or delicate experience, emphasizing aesthetic pleasure.

an unforgettable sensation

Focuses on the lasting impression and the sensory aspects of the experience.

a truly remarkable occasion

Highlights the uniqueness and exceptional nature of the event.

a life-altering event

Implies the experience has significantly changed one's perspective or direction in life, indicating a much more impactful shift.

a spiritual awakening

Indicates a profound shift in one's understanding of themselves and the world, often with religious or mystical undertones.

FAQs

How can I use "a sublime experience" in a sentence?

Use "a sublime experience" to describe something that evokes feelings of awe, wonder, or transcendence. For example, "Visiting the ancient ruins was a sublime experience."

What are some alternatives to "a sublime experience"?

You can use alternatives like "an exquisite moment", "a transcendent encounter", or "a profoundly moving experience" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a sublime experience" formal or informal?

"A sublime experience" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in descriptive or reflective writing. It's generally understood and appreciated across different registers.

What makes an experience "sublime"?

An experience is considered "sublime" when it inspires awe or reverence, often due to its grandeur, beauty, or power. It goes beyond mere pleasantness and touches on something deeper, often challenging or expanding one's understanding of the world.