lofty

American  

[lawf-tee, lof-] / ˈlɔf ti, ˈlɒf- /

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.

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lofty British  

/ 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

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Related Words

See high.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of lofty

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

Example Sentences

That presents an exciting opportunity for investors, and one that will test the lofty valuations these companies have fetched in the private markets.

From MarketWatch

But they are not meeting the lofty goals set by the administration, and everything that gums up the process slows them down.

From Salon

Companies with the most tangible ties to AI energy demand are already trading at loftier multiples than tech giants.

From The Wall Street Journal

US gross domestic product in the third quarter came in at 4.3 percent on an annualized basis, easily topping expectations and the loftiest growth in two years.

From Barron's

When the former Nike executive signed on to oversee LA28’s commercial operations last year, he looked at the private organizing committee’s lofty financial goals with some concern.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• exalted
• noble
• utopian