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.

---

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

---

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

If AI demand turns out weaker than expected, or if the war in Iran continues to the point where it disrupts trade, lofty profit predictions likely won’t come true.

From Barron's

"With his rigour, his courage and his idealism, he embodied a lofty idea of the Republic," said President Emmanuel Macron.

From BBC

These vehicles, with their expensive sensors and computers, are still pricey, even if the costs are coming down from lofty levels.

From The Wall Street Journal

DraftKings may still be a longshot bet: Shares trade at the lofty valuation of 75 times earnings estimates for this year.

From Barron's

For years, fast-growing software stocks commanded lofty valuations.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• exalted
• noble
• utopian