high-minded

[ hahy-mahyn-did ]

adjective

1. having or showing high, exalted principles or feelings.

   Synonyms: scrupulous, idealistic, ethical, fair, honest, principled

high-minded

adjective

1. having or characterized by high moral principles
2. archaic.
   arrogant; haughty

Derived Forms

• ˌhigh-ˈmindedly, adverb
• ˌhigh-ˈmindedness, noun

Other Words From

• high-minded·ly adverb
• high-minded·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of high-minded¹

First recorded in 1495–1505

Synonym Study

See noble.

Example Sentences

At the very least, he would make a thoughtful and high-minded sparring partner for Clinton in the debates that lie ahead.

From The Daily Beast

But she also voices a firm belief that we initially went into Iraq with what she terms a “high minded” purpose.

From The Daily Beast

This was one of those old timey high-minded battles in which the very identity of the Jewish State hung in the balance!

From The Daily Beast

And Rose, of course, has hosted his high-minded eponymous PBS show for two decades.

From The Daily Beast

For him to present it as a high-minded attempt to empower voters shows what nerve the guy has.

From The Daily Beast

You may imagine the effect this missive produced upon the proud, high-minded doctor of divinity.

From Project Gutenberg

High-minded and possessing a keen sense of honor himself, he had an instinctive aversion to anything mean or low in others.

From Project Gutenberg

The doctor smiled again at the boy's high-minded openness, which must have cost an effort of self-humiliation.

From Project Gutenberg

In truth, there was good ground for his sorrowful apostrophe, for the scene was very painful to a high-minded witness.

From Project Gutenberg

Such, it might seem, would be the course which a high-minded and zealous teacher would pursue in imparting moral instruction.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• honest
• noble
• virtuous