lofty

[lawf-tee, lof-]

adjective

loftier, loftiest 

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

Other Word Forms

• loftily adverb
• loftiness noun
• overloftiness noun
• overlofty adjective
• unlofty 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

Glasner's animated touchline energy transmits itself to a team with class in all areas, and one fully deserving of its current lofty position in the table.

From BBC

But he does possess the same lofty standards where his golf game is concerned.

From BBC

That was lofty praise, considering Reed, a Hall of Fame receiver, was such an integral part of those Buffalo Bills who reached four consecutive Super Bowls.

From Los Angeles Times

What played out instead, of course, was a disappointing regular season relative to the club’s lofty preseason expectations.

From Los Angeles Times

At an unveiling event for a prototype of the self-driving Tesla Cybercab last year, Musk expressed lofty ambitions for the future.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• exalted 
• noble 
• utopian