positively sublime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "positively sublime" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is exceptionally wonderful or inspiring, often in a way that evokes strong positive emotions. Example: "The sunset over the mountains was positively sublime, leaving everyone in awe of its beauty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That being said, I think women who are completely gray are positively sublime.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He concludes that the sublime positively reinforces in us a sense of our feeble place in the world.

Independent

Hayy replies positively; there is "the One, who has no second", sublime and invisible.

SEP

One doesn't instinctively imagine that the marginalised LGBT communities of that scene or the more generally religiously-disinterested that populate today's clubs would respond positively to, say, the titular refrain of Belson favourite 'Give Yourself To Jesus' by Herman Harris, no matter how sublime its mid-tempo groove is.

Vice

One doesn't instinctively imagine that the marginalized LGBT communities of that scene or the more generally religiously-disinterested that populate today's clubs would respond positively to, say, the titular refrain of Belson favorite 'Give Yourself To Jesus' by Herman Harris, no matter how sublime its mid-tempo groove is.

Vice

Sublime moments.

Independent

"The result is... sublime".

The New York Times - Magazine

The finish was sublime.

The New York Times - Sports

The results are sublime.

The Economist

It's sublime.

Independent

Very close to sublime".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "positively sublime", consider the audience. The phrase is somewhat formal and may not be appropriate in all contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "positively sublime" too frequently in everyday conversation, as it can sound affected or pretentious. Reserve it for situations where the heightened language is genuinely warranted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "positively sublime" functions as an intensifier (positively) modifying an adjective (sublime). This construction serves to heighten the descriptive impact, emphasizing the exceptional quality of something. As seen in Ludwig, it's used to convey a strong sense of admiration.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "positively sublime" is a grammatically sound and emphatic phrase used to describe something exceptionally wonderful. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, its presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian signals its acceptability in neutral to formal contexts. It serves to convey a strong sense of admiration and awe, although its somewhat elevated tone might make it less suitable for casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

positively breathtaking

Synonymous, replaces only the adjective. Retains the intensifier, and it directly exchanges "sublime" with "breathtaking".

absolutely magnificent

Replaces 'sublime' with 'magnificent', intensifying the feeling of grandeur and impressiveness.

utterly exquisite

Substitutes 'sublime' with 'exquisite', emphasizing delicate beauty and refinement.

genuinely transcendent

Replaces 'sublime' with 'transcendent', highlighting the surpassing of ordinary limits.

truly divine

Substitutes 'sublime' with 'divine', suggesting a connection to the sacred or heavenly.

remarkably wonderful

Replaces 'sublime' with 'wonderful', offering a more general expression of admiration.

exceptionally beautiful

Substitutes 'sublime' with 'beautiful', focusing on aesthetic appeal.

decidedly impressive

Replaces 'sublime' with 'impressive', highlighting the capacity to evoke admiration and respect.

unquestionably masterful

Substitutes 'sublime' with 'masterful', emphasizing exceptional skill and expertise.

incredibly awe-inspiring

Replaces 'sublime' with 'awe-inspiring', underscoring the ability to evoke a sense of wonder and reverence.

FAQs

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

Use "positively sublime" to describe something that is exceptionally wonderful or inspiring, often in a way that evokes strong positive emotions. For example, "The sunset over the ocean was "positively sublime", leaving everyone in awe of its beauty."

What are some alternatives to "positively sublime"?

You can use alternatives like "absolutely magnificent", "utterly exquisite", or "genuinely transcendent" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "positively sublime" a common phrase in modern English?

While grammatically correct, "positively sublime" is not as frequently used as some of its more common synonyms. Its usage is more prevalent in formal writing and descriptive contexts where a heightened sense of appreciation is intended.

What distinguishes "positively sublime" from "simply sublime"?

The addition of "positively" intensifies the adjective "sublime", emphasizing the unequivocal and undeniable nature of its excellence. It suggests an experience or object that is not merely sublime, but overwhelmingly so.