lofty

[ lawf-tee, lof- ]

adjective

, loft·i·er, loft·i·est.

1. extending high in the air; of imposing height; towering:

   lofty mountains.

   Synonyms: elevated

2. exalted in rank, dignity, or character; eminent.

   Antonyms: lowly

3. elevated in style, tone, or sentiment, as writings or speech.

   Synonyms: sublime

4. arrogantly or condescendingly superior in manner; haughty:

   to treat someone in a lofty manner.

   Synonyms: supercilious

   Antonyms: humble

5. Nautical. noting a rig of a sailing ship having extraordinarily high masts.
6. (of fabric or yarn) thick and resilient.

lofty

/ ˈlɒftɪ /

adjective

1. of majestic or imposing height
2. exalted or noble in character or nature
3. haughty or supercilious
4. elevated, eminent, or superior

Derived Forms

• ˈloftily, adverb
• ˈloftiness, noun

Other Words From

• loft·i·ly adverb
• loft·i·ness noun
• o·ver·loft·i·ness noun
• o·ver·loft·y adjective
• un·loft·y adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lofty¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English loft, -y ¹

Synonym Study

See high.

Example Sentences

Carsley has occasionally looked uncomfortable in his lofty position, but this was a vital moment for him and England, so he fully deserved to relish it.

From BBC

That opinion was lofty, the man was not.

From Los Angeles Times

The time a player second-guessed a lofty goal.

From Los Angeles Times

However, her lofty levels have dipped in the second half of the season and allowed Sabalenka to overtake her at the top of the rankings.

From BBC

At the time, there was a spree of investment in celebrity-backed production companies, which gave lofty valuations to firms such as Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ambitious
• grandiose
• high-minded