loftily

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loftily" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone speaking or acting in a haughty or elevated manner, often implying arrogance or superiority. Example: "She loftily dismissed his concerns, believing her opinion was far more important."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dara O Briain joined the conversation, suggesting that any show that gives airtime to Sara Pascoe and Andrew Maxwell (as Howard's new one will) shouldn't be so loftily dismissed.

The Guardian

Regarding university alumni who donate to their alma maters' football programmes, he loftily pronounces, "Money given to sports does not serve a larger social purpose," whereas later in the book he waxes lyrical about how football can "bring Americans together for civic celebration".The writing is also annoying.

The Economist

It could provoke retaliation, although the EU loftily says it would fight back at the WTO instead.

The Economist

A middle class that has grown largely to tend to the state will behave differently from one that is based on the private sector.The one-third ruleBut who, as a patrician British prime minister, Harold Macmillan, once loftily asked, are these middle classes?

The Economist

Even as Mr Varoufakis and his colleagues in Greece's ruling Syriza party have loftily declared that the changes they seek would benefit all Europeans, not just Greeks, their negotiating strategy has been small-minded, self-defeating and naive.Some of this may be put down to inexperience.

The Economist

They appear to think that simply attracting a big crowd of Arabs to Annapolis and talking loftily about an independent Palestine strengthens the region's moderates against the extremists of Hamas and Hizbullah, and the Iranians behind them.

The Economist

His speech of eight years ago amounted to a pledge of allegiance to a United States of America a pledge given rare force by his eloquence, his poise and a sort of a post-racial self-confidence that promised to heal old divisions by rising loftily above them.Mr Obama in 2012 still carries a promise about him that race does not have to be the end of the argument, and that is no small thing at all.

The Economist

Sceptics will immediately retort that the patriarch hasn't always been so loftily apolitical; he lauded Vladimir Putin (or rather the order imposed by Mr Putin after the "chaotic" 1990s) as a "miracle of God".

The Economist

But it was China itself that, rather than loftily ignoring the perceived slight, turned attendance in Oslo on December 10th into a with-us-or-against-us test of friendship.

The Economist

A recent edition of his magazine, the Wine Advocate, announces loftily that "Australia can produce world-class wines of extraordinary richness, potential complexity and ageworthiness".

The Economist

Not everyone, warned Global Times, is as "good-tempered" as China, whose officials loftily ignored the slur.In this section The great sprawl of China To the piste!

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "loftily" to add a nuanced layer of meaning when describing someone speaking or acting with an air of superiority, particularly in formal writing or when aiming for a sophisticated tone.

Common error

Avoid using "loftily" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound pretentious or out of place. Opt for simpler alternatives like "arrogantly" or "haughtily" in everyday scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "loftily" is to modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb, describing the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI states, it indicates an action done in a lofty or grand manner, often with an affectation of superiority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "loftily" is an adverb used to describe actions performed in a superior or detached manner. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its usage is prevalent in news and media, as well as encyclopedic contexts. While appropriate for formal writing, caution should be exercised in informal settings to avoid sounding pretentious. Alternatives such as "arrogantly" or "haughtily" may be more suitable for everyday use. Remember to use "loftily" to subtly inject a notion of arrogance and detachment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arrogantly

Focuses specifically on the expression of superiority and self-importance.

haughtily

Emphasizes pride and disdain for those considered inferior.

condescendingly

Highlights the act of treating others as if they are less intelligent or important.

superciliously

Implies a coolly patronizing and contemptuous manner.

patronizingly

Suggests treating someone with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority.

disdainfully

Expresses contempt and a lack of respect.

imperiously

Conveys an attitude of command and authority.

didactically

Describes acting with the aim of instructing or lecturing, often in a pompous way.

pompously

Emphasizes self-importance and exaggerated stateliness.

in an elevated manner

Describes behaving with a sense of moral or intellectual superiority.

FAQs

How can I use "loftily" in a sentence?

"Loftily" is typically used to describe the manner in which someone speaks or acts, suggesting an air of superiority or detachment. For example: "He "loftily" dismissed the suggestion."

What words are similar to "loftily"?

Synonyms for "loftily" include "arrogantly", "haughtily", "condescendingly", and "superciliously". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "loftily" in formal writing?

Yes, "loftily" is appropriate in formal writing when you want to convey a sense of elevated or condescending behavior. Its use can add a sophisticated and nuanced dimension to your descriptions.

What's the difference between "loftily" and "arrogantly"?

While both words suggest a sense of superiority, "loftily" often implies a greater sense of detachment and elevation, whereas "arrogantly" emphasizes a more direct and overt display of self-importance.