Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having high moral principles or ideals; noble in character or purpose: "high-minded" describes a person, action, or idea that is guided by or reflects elevated ethical standards and a sincere concern for what is right and honorable.
   • Elevated in style or thought; lofty: It can also describe language, concepts, or arguments that are intellectually or stylistically elevated, sometimes to the point of seeming abstract or impractical.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • She was a high-minded individual who dedicated her life to charitable work. (She was a noble person who dedicated her life to charitable work.)
  • The politician's speech was full of high-minded rhetoric about justice and equality. (The politician's speech was full of lofty rhetoric about justice and equality.)
  • Their high-minded ideals were sometimes difficult to implement in the real world. (Their noble ideals were sometimes difficult to implement in the real world.)

Advanced Usage

• "high-mindedness" (noun): The quality or state of being high-minded.
  • He was respected for his integrity and high-mindedness. (He was respected for his integrity and noble character.)
• Used to describe principles, debates, or pursuits that are morally or intellectually superior, often implicitly contrasted with more pragmatic or base concerns.
  • The discussion moved from practical details to more high-minded philosophical questions. (The discussion moved from practical details to more lofty philosophical questions.)

Variants and Related Words

• High-mindedness (n): The quality of being high-minded.
• Lofty (adj): Elevated in character, spirit, or style; can be similar but may also imply a sense of being overly proud or distant.
• Noble (adj): Having fine personal qualities or high moral principles; a close synonym.
• Idealistic (adj): Characterized by the pursuit of high or noble principles, sometimes unrealistically.
• Elevated (adj): Raised in moral, intellectual, or stylistic level.

Synonyms

• Noble
• Lofty
• Elevated
• Idealistic
• Principled
• Honorable

Antonyms

• Base
• Ignoble
• Low-minded
• Cynical
• Unprincipled

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Take the high road": To behave in a moral or ethical way when others are not. This idiom relates to the concept of high-minded behavior.
  • Despite the insults, she decided to take the high road and not respond in kind. (Despite the insults, she decided to behave honorably and not respond in kind.)
• While not a phrasal verb, the term is often used in the fixed phrase "high-minded ideals/purposes/rhetoric."

Adjective

1. of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style
   • an exalted ideal
   • argue in terms of high-flown ideals- Oliver Franks
   • a noble and lofty concept
   • a grand purpose