lofty

UK: /ˈlɒfti/ US: /ˈlɔfti, ˈlɑf-/ ,(lôf′tē, lof′-)

Inflections of 'lofty' (adj):

loftier

adj comparative

loftiest

adj superlative

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

loft•y /ˈlɔfti, ˈlɑf-/   adj., -i•er, -i•est. 

1. extending high in the air; towering:
   lofty mountains.
2. elevated in style or tone:
   lofty sentiments.
3. arrogant in manner;
   haughty:
   a rather lofty butler.

loft•i•ly /ˈlɔftəli, ˈlɑf-/  adv. 
loft•i•ness, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

loft•y  (lôf′tē, lof′-), adj., loft•i•er, loft•i•est. 

1. extending high in the air;
   of imposing height;
   towering:
   lofty mountains.
2. exalted in rank, dignity, or character;
   eminent.
3. elevated in style, tone, or sentiment, as writings or speech.
4. arrogantly or condescendingly superior in manner;
   haughty:
   to treat someone in a lofty manner.
5. [Naut.] noting a rig of a sailing ship having extraordinarily high masts.
6. Clothing (of fabric or yarn) thick and resilient.

• 1400–50; late Middle English; see loft, -y¹

loft′i•ly, adv. 
loft′i•ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. elevated. See high. 
• 3. sublime.
• 4. supercilious.

Antonyms

• 2. lowly.
• 4. humble.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

lofty / ˈlɒftɪ/ adjective (loftier, loftiest)

1. of majestic or imposing height
2. exalted or noble in character or nature
3. haughty or supercilious
4. elevated, eminent, or superior

ˈloftily adverb

ˈloftiness noun