WordGarden.iolofty
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈɒfti/
US
- /ˈlɔfti/
Meanings
Adjective
very high or tall in physical height
noble, elevated, or high-minded in ideals or character
haughty or distant in a way that suggests superiority
More meaningsFewer meanings
elevated, grand, or overly formal in language or style
Beyond the definition
"Lofty" describes something that is very high or raised far above the ground. But it is not just about physical height. It can also describe ideas, goals, or language that feel noble, grand, or very ambitious. A politician might have lofty ideals, meaning they aim for something great. A writer might use lofty language when the tone sounds formal and elevated. You would not usually use it for something ordinary or small; it suggests something impressive or far above the usual level.
The word "lofty" first meant physically high or elevated, like a mountain peak that seems to touch the clouds. You can also picture a grand hall or cathedral with a very high ceiling. In this basic sense, it describes something far above the ground and often impressive in height.
Over time, it also came to describe things that feel high in a more figurative way. A lofty ambition is a very great goal, often one that is hard to reach. Lofty ideals are moral beliefs that sound noble and admirable. Lofty language or lofty rhetoric sounds formal, grand, and serious, sometimes as if it is trying to rise above everyday speech.
The word often has a positive feel when it suggests greatness, dignity, or high purpose. Still, it can also sound slightly critical. If someone makes lofty promises or lofty claims, the speaker may mean that the words sound too grand, unrealistic, or removed from real life. In that sense, it can come close to "high-minded" in a good way, or "haughty" and overly proud in a bad way, depending on the context.
So the word usually points to height, greatness, or noble ambition, but sometimes it carries a hint that something is a bit too grand or proud. The exact meaning depends on what is being described and on the speaker's tone.
Examples
- 1
Architecture
The old library has lofty ceilings and tall windows.
- 2
Mountains
Snow still covered the lofty peaks above the valley.
- 3
Personal ambition
She came to the job with lofty ambitions and a lot of energy.
- 4
Project goals
The plan had lofty goals, but very little money behind it.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Campaign promises
The mayor made lofty promises during the campaign.
- 6
Superior tone
Don't use that lofty tone with me.
- Phrasea lofty tone
a way of speaking that sounds too proud or superior
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- loftyadjective
Forms
- loftiercomparativeadjective
- loftiestsuperlativeadjective