Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Very high or tall; extending to a great height: Used to describe something that is physically elevated or rises impressively above its surroundings.
   • Elevated in character, style, or sentiment; noble: Used to describe ideas, ideals, or qualities that are of a superior moral or intellectual nature.
   • Haughty, arrogant, or condescending: Used to describe a manner that shows a sense of superiority over others.

Usage Examples

• Describing physical height:
  • The eagle built its nest on a lofty cliff.
  • We gazed up at the lofty ceilings of the ancient cathedral.
• Describing noble ideals or style:
  • The leader was inspired by lofty goals of peace and equality.
  • Her speech was filled with lofty sentiments about human potential.
• Describing an arrogant manner:
  • He dismissed their concerns with a lofty wave of his hand.
  • Her lofty attitude made it difficult for others to approach her.

Advanced Usage

• "Lofty ambitions/ideals/goals": Refers to ambitions or principles that are noble, excellent, and often difficult to achieve.
  • The young scientist was driven by lofty ambitions to cure the disease.
• "Lofty disdain/indifference": Refers to a manner of scorn or lack of interest that conveys a sense of superiority.
  • She viewed the gossip with lofty indifference.

Variants and Related Words

• Loftily (adverb): In a lofty manner.
  • He spoke loftily about the responsibilities of power.
• Loftiness (noun): The quality of being lofty.
  • The loftiness of the mountain peaks was breathtaking.
  • I was impressed by the loftiness of his principles.

Synonyms

• High, tall, towering, soaring (for physical height).
• Noble, exalted, elevated, grand, sublime (for style or ideals).
• Haughty, arrogant, supercilious, disdainful (for manner).

Antonyms

• Low, short, stunted (for physical height).
• Base, ignoble, lowly (for style or ideals).
• Humble, modest, unassuming (for manner).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To take a lofty tone/view: To adopt an attitude of moral or intellectual superiority.
  • The critic took a lofty tone, dismissing the popular film as trivial.
• Lofty perch/position: Literally a high physical place, or figuratively a position of superiority.
  • From his lofty perch as CEO, he rarely heard the complaints of the factory workers.

Adjective

1. having or displaying great dignity or nobility
   • a gallant pageant
   • lofty ships
   • majestic cities
   • proud alpine peaks
2. of imposing height; especially standing out above others
   • an eminent peak
   • lofty mountains
   • the soaring spires of the cathedral
   • towering icebergs
3. 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