lofty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lofty" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is elevated in height, status, or ideals, often conveying a sense of ambition or grandeur. Example: "Her lofty ambitions drove her to pursue a career in space exploration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With Shane Watson in bullying form, even the lofty vantage point of the pavilion may not have been safe from a succession of smattered shots.

The Guardian - Sport

In 2008, despite a lofty $50 buy-in, Martin Madness ballooned to 958 entries – bringing the total pot to an eyebrow-raising $48,800.

The Guardian - Sport

Parts of the ground and first floor of this huge complex are open for the first time this year, welcoming pilgrims into its lofty halls, linked by escalators to 10,000 ablution places.

The Guardian - Arts

Wowzer. 2 Raúl Bobadilla's lofty chip, Augsburg v Braunschweig (Includes a nice pair of tats) 1 Naldo's last minute screamer, Wolfsburg v Frankfurt Hakan Calhanoglu, Hamburg v Dortmund.

The Guardian - Sport

Indeed, while his administration recently called for slowing deep tax cuts, lofty supply-side goals remain.

The Guardian

Servicing is tucked around the back and below, transforming the delivery yard gulley into a public entrance, where a broad staircase will rise to a lofty foyer.

The Guardian - Arts

And so we have a very lofty and noble goal, but other than feeling good about it, what does it actually accomplish?" De Leon, who represents a district centered in Los Angeles, later called the threat of job losses "scare tactics" and countered.

The Guardian

It takes up the entire first floor of an elegant, listed 1891 town house, and has lofty 12ft-high ceilings, which give it an airy feel despite the lack of air con (open the French doors for harbour breezes).

The Guardian - Travel

His lofty current projects include work with the Louvre and pianist Mikhaïl Rudy, and that ambition trickles down into his dancefloor engagements, which still announce techno as the ultimate transcendent form.

The Guardian - Music

There is a lofty, light-filled sitting room and an elegant dining room where you can enjoy excellent home cooking with a huge variety of vegetables and herbs from the medieval potager, and enlightened conversation with your cultured and charming hosts.

The Guardian - Travel

In his 1,500-page 1,500-pageifestonlinegave himanifestoty titles sucheas "gaved Commander of thimselfhts Templofty

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing ambitions or goals, use "lofty" to convey a sense of high-mindedness and significant aspiration. For example, "The company set lofty goals for reducing its carbon footprint."

Common error

Avoid using "lofty" in everyday conversation or informal writing, as it can sound pretentious or overly formal. Opt for simpler words like "high" or "ambitious" in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "lofty" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe them as high, tall, or elevated in stature or ideals. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, "lofty" is correct and usable in written English. Examples include "lofty goals" and "lofty halls".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

23%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "lofty" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe something high, tall, or elevated, conveying a sense of grandeur, ambition, or nobility. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for formal and semi-formal contexts, particularly in news and business writing. While versatile, it's best to avoid overusing "lofty" in informal settings to prevent sounding pretentious. Synonyms like "elevated", "noble", and "ambitious" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elevated

Implies a high position or moral standing, similar to "lofty" but focuses more on status.

noble

Focuses on moral excellence and high character, an aspect of "lofty" when referring to ideals.

ambitious

Highlights the aspirational aspect of "lofty", emphasizing a strong desire for achievement.

towering

Refers to great height or stature, much like "lofty" when describing physical attributes.

grand

Suggests magnificence and scale, similar to "lofty" in terms of impressiveness.

exalted

Implies a state of being highly praised or elevated, mirroring the high status indicated by "lofty".

high-minded

Emphasizes elevated principles and ideals, echoing the idealistic sense of "lofty".

majestic

Conveys a sense of grandeur and stateliness, much like "lofty" in its description of impressive things.

idealistic

Focuses on pursuing high ideals, a key aspect of "lofty" when describing goals or aspirations.

soaring

Suggests reaching great heights or aiming high, similar to the aspirational sense of "lofty".

FAQs

How can I use "lofty" in a sentence?

"Lofty" can be used to describe ambitions, ideals, or physical heights. For example, "The project has "lofty goals" of revolutionizing the industry" or "The mountain has a "lofty peak"."

What are some synonyms for "lofty"?

Synonyms for "lofty" include "elevated", "noble", "ambitious", "towering" and "grand". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "lofty"?

It's appropriate to use "lofty" in formal or semi-formal contexts where you want to convey a sense of high-mindedness, ambition, or grandeur. Be mindful of the tone, as it can sound pretentious if overused or used inappropriately.

What's the difference between "lofty" and "high"?

While both words describe height, "lofty" implies a sense of grandeur, nobility, or ambition that "high" does not. "High" is a more general term, while "lofty" suggests something elevated in status or ideals as well as height.