lofty

[lawf-tee, lof-]

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adjective, loft·i·er, loft·i·est.

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

exalted in rank, dignity, or character; eminent.

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

arrogantly or condescendingly superior in manner; haughty: to treat someone in a lofty manner.

Nautical. noting a rig of a sailing ship having extraordinarily high masts.

(of fabric or yarn) thick and resilient.

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Origin of lofty

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; see origin at loft, -y¹

SYNONYMS FOR lofty

1. elevated. See high. 3. sublime. 4. supercilious.

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ANTONYMS FOR lofty

2. lowly. 4. humble.

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Related forms

loft·i·ly, adverbloft·i·ness, nouno·ver·loft·i·ly, adverbo·ver·loft·i·ness, noun

o·ver·loft·y, adjectiveun·loft·y, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for lofty

Be reliable supports of the Songun revolution possessed of a lofty spirit and rich knowledge!
North Korea's Top College: Brainwash U|Justin Rohrlich|December 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Powell ranks with Patrick Smith in the hierarchy of Florida historical novelists and that is lofty territory, indeed.
Book Bag: Overlooked Classic Books From the Sunshine State|Randy Wayne White|September 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There is a tradition in this country stretching back to Thomas Jefferson of lofty ideals for our colleges and universities.
College Must Be More Than Just a Classy Trade School|Michael S. Roth|August 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As always, its leaders paid lip service to lofty ideals to obscure the ugly base alloys.
A Brief History of Wingnuts in America; From George Washington to Woodstock|John Avlon|August 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Travel with lofty purpose really began when it was accessible only to a small and privileged class with unlimited time to travel.
Obama’s Extravagant Summer Break? More Like, America’s Vacation-Deficit Disorder|Clive Irving|August 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The rooms are lofty, and all on one floor, because the Burmese do not like to live in rooms with people above.
From Edinburgh to India & Burmah|William G. Burn Murdoch
I cannot tell you exactly what she felt when she saw Nino from her lofty window, but she was certainly glad with her whole heart.
A Roman Singer|F. Marion Crawford
Julian, irritated by the whole circumstances of his detention, answered the Justice's interrogation in rather a lofty tone.
Peveril of the Peak|Sir Walter Scott
Its lofty morality would not alone have sufficed to insure its success.
The Unseen World and Other Essays|John Fiske
I stood upon the lofty summit of Mount Sneffels' southern peak.
A Journey to the Centre of the Earth|Jules Verne

British Dictionary definitions for lofty

lofty

adjective loftier or loftiest

of majestic or imposing height

exalted or noble in character or nature

haughty or supercilious

elevated, eminent, or superior

Derived Formsloftily, adverbloftiness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for lofty

lofty

adj.

"exalted, of high rank," early 15c.; also "with a high purpose," from loft + -y (2). From early 14c. as a surname. Literal sense of "high" is attested from 1580s. Related: Loftily; loftiness.

lofty

adjective, loft·i·er, loft·i·est.

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Origin of lofty

Examples from the Web for lofty

lofty

adjective loftier or loftiest

lofty