Lofty

Pronunciation

• RP enPR: lŏft'i, IPA: /ˈlÉ’fti/
• US IPA: /ˈlɔːfti/
• Rhymes: -É’fti

Origin

Middle English, noble, from loft ("upstairs room, sky").

Full definition of lofty

Adjective

1. high, tall, having great height or stature
• 1862, George Borrow, Wild Wales Chapter 98, On my left was a river, which came roaring down from a range of lofty mountains right before me to the south-east.
2. a lofty bed
3. idealistic, implying over-optimisma lofty goal
• 2013, Delme Parfitt in Wales Online, Cardiff City 1 - 0 Swansea City: Steven Caulker heads Bluebirds to South Wales derby win (3 November 2013)A goal from Steven Caulker, just after the hour mark, was enough to hand victory to Malky Mackay's men, with Swansea falling some way short of the lofty standards they have set previously at this level.
4. extremely proud; arrogant; haughty
• F. Harrisonthat lofty pity with which prosperous folk are apt to remember their grandfathers

Related terms

• loft
• aloft