lofty
lofty — adjective
- loftypositive
- loftiercomparative
- loftiestsuperlative
1. describing something that rises a long way above the ground, especially in a way
describing something that rises a long way above the ground, especially in a way that is impressive or easy to notice — for example, a tall tower, a high ceiling, or a mountain peak.
The castle walls were so lofty the children had to crane their necks to see the top.
collocation: lofty walls / lofty ceilings
From their lofty position on the tower, the tourists could see the whole city.
collocation: lofty position
The cathedral's lofty spire rises above all the other buildings in the old town.
A row of lofty pine trees lined the driveway to the old farmhouse.
Nora opened the door and gazed up at the lofty ceiling, painted with clouds and angels.
用法筆記
More formal and literary than 'high' or 'tall'. Common in descriptive writing rather than everyday conversation.
常見錯誤
2. describing ideas, aims, or principles that are morally excellent and show a stro
describing ideas, aims, or principles that are morally excellent and show a strong sense of what is right — for example, a noble vision for society, a high-minded goal, or a worthy principle.
The charity was founded on the lofty ideal that every child deserves a good education.
collocation: lofty ideal(s)
Layla spoke about her lofty vision for a world without poverty.
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The general's speech was full of lofty words about honour and duty during the ceremony.
The university's lofty goals include making education free for everyone in the region.
Sahil's commitment to justice was not just a lofty principle — he worked in the courts for years.
- noble
stronger sense of personal moral worth; 'noble' can describe a person, 'lofty' typically describes ideas
- elevated
more abstract and formal; often describes style or language
- high-minded
refers specifically to a person's moral character rather than abstract ideals
用法筆記
Often found in formal or political speech describing goals, visions, or principles. Can carry a slightly critical tone if the speaker implies the ideals sound good but are unrealistic.
常見錯誤
3. behaving or speaking in a way that shows you believe you are better, more import
behaving or speaking in a way that shows you believe you are better, more important, or more intelligent than other people — for example, making dismissive comments, speaking in a superior tone, or refusing to do work you consider beneath you.
Minho gave a lofty wave of his hand and said the work was beneath him.
collocation: lofty wave / lofty manner
Amihan's lofty tone during the meeting annoyed everyone who worked with her.
The professor spoke in such lofty language that the students felt he was looking down on them.
Yasmin dismissed their questions with a lofty smile and refused to explain further.
Mateo's lofty comments about ordinary people showed how out of touch he was.
- haughty
same register and meaning; slightly more literary
- arrogant
more common in everyday English; can describe both behaviour and personality
- supercilious
more formal; specifically describes the act of looking down on others
用法筆記
Describes a person's manner, tone, or way of speaking in a specific moment rather than a permanent personality trait. Compare 'arrogant', which can describe a fixed character trait.