lofty idealism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lofty idealism" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a high-minded or noble set of beliefs or principles, often in a context where such ideals may be seen as impractical or overly ambitious. Example: "While his lofty idealism inspired many, some critics argued that it lacked a realistic approach to solving the issues at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The lofty idealism of a Rothko was suddenly unconvincing to advanced artists.

The Guardian - Arts

Goodwillie's novel does not have the lofty idealism of Tressell or Huxley, but its message of political engagement is explicit.

The Guardian - Books

Lofty idealism quickly devolved into a slamming match -- or at least that's how Simon Schama, a professor of history at Columbia University, remembers the occasion.

The New York Times - Arts

His aides say this is no moment for the lofty idealism of the inaugural address, 35 long days and roughly a thousand Dow Jones points ago.

The New York Times

It is this spirit of grubby compromise, not lofty idealism, that will determine the future of the euro.That is because, as Joseph Schumpeter argued, a monetary system cannot be separated from the society that underlies it.

The Economist

People who can align themselves with both lofty idealism and unrepentant narcissism.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Through a process amply illustrated below, in my neck of rural Iraq all this lofty sounding idealism translated into putting millions of dollars into building a chicken-processing plant.

Huffington Post

The S.D.S. veterans whose testimony makes up Helen Garvy's rich, informative new documentary, "Rebels With a Cause," see themselves in the great tradition of American democratic idealism, schooled in lofty civic precepts of equality and justice that they saw ignored and betrayed in the society around them.

The New York Times

Within the discipline, materialism is not the greedy desire for material goods, but rather the belief that the fundamental reality of the world is material; idealism is not the aspiration toward lofty and laudable goals, but rather the belief that the fundamental reality of the world is mental or idea-like.

The New York Times

Two idealisms: the American's was young and lofty, buoyed above the horrors of the centuries.

The New York Times - Books

This is a president who has yet to realize the lofty expectations that propelled him from obscurity to the Oval Office, whose idealism or naïveté or hubris has been tempered by four years in the fires.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lofty idealism" to describe aspirations that are noble but potentially unrealistic. Consider the context to ensure the phrase conveys the intended nuance of ambition versus impracticality.

Common error

Avoid using "lofty idealism" when describing simple goals. The phrase implies a significant degree of ambition and moral purpose, so using it for mundane objectives can sound exaggerated or ironic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lofty idealism" primarily functions as a noun phrase that describes a particular kind of idealism. The adjective "lofty" modifies "idealism", indicating that the idealism is elevated, ambitious, and possibly detached from practical realities. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lofty idealism" is a phrase used to describe an elevated or ambitious form of idealism, often with the implication that it may be unrealistic or impractical. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and usable, mainly appearing in News & Media contexts. Related phrases include "noble aspirations" and "elevated ideals". When using this phrase, be mindful of its scope and potential connotations of impracticality. Recognizing these nuances will allow for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

idealistic aspirations

A more general term that can be used in many contexts.

noble aspirations

Focuses more on the aspirational aspect and less on the potential impracticality.

elevated ideals

Emphasizes the high moral or intellectual level of the ideals.

pure idealism

Emphasizes the unadulterated and genuine nature of the idealism.

high-minded principles

Highlights the moral aspect and principles that are followed.

optimistic vision

Highlights the positive and hopeful outlook associated with the vision.

visionary aspirations

Implies a forward-looking and ambitious nature of the ideals.

ambitious ideals

Focuses on the high level of difficulty required to achieve the ideals.

utopian dreams

Suggests an unrealistic or unattainable aspect of the ideals.

grandiose visions

Emphasizes the ambitious and sometimes impractical nature of the vision.

FAQs

How can I use "lofty idealism" in a sentence?

You can use "lofty idealism" to describe someone's high-minded but possibly impractical beliefs, as in, "His "lofty idealism" inspired many, but some found it detached from reality."

What are some alternatives to "lofty idealism"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "noble aspirations", "elevated ideals", or "high-minded principles".

Is "lofty idealism" a positive or negative trait?

It depends on the context. While idealism is generally positive, "lofty idealism" can sometimes imply that the ideals are too ambitious or impractical to be realized. The connotation is often neutral but can lean negative if the ideals are seen as unrealistic.

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

"Idealism" is a general belief in high principles, whereas "lofty idealism" suggests a particularly elevated or ambitious form of idealism, often implying that the ideals are grand but perhaps difficult to achieve. "Lofty" adds a sense of height and distance from practical considerations.