lofty self-regard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lofty self-regard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has an elevated opinion of themselves or their abilities, often implying arrogance or excessive pride. Example: "His lofty self-regard made it difficult for him to accept constructive criticism from his peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chanel's own towering self-regard is legendary.

The New York Times

Given Americans' high self-regard in terms of their professed commitment to lofty moral standards, respecting the more visible dedication to the tenets of Islam in the Arab world should not be difficult to accept.

Huffington Post

What self-regard.

The Guardian - Books

Christopher Isherwood was an artist of self-regard.

The New York Times - Books

They learn self-regard, self-confidence".

The Guardian

The self-regard is enormous.

The New York Times - Arts

Such self-regard is hardly surprising.

The Guardian - Books

Who could resist his glorious self-regard?

The New York Times - Books

Prick their self-regard a little?

The Guardian

But such is their self-regard.

The New Yorker

However, these are embarrassing in their melancholic self-regard.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lofty self-regard" when you want to emphasize not just high self-esteem, but also a sense of superiority or detachment from others. It suggests a somewhat critical perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "lofty self-regard" when you simply want to describe someone with confidence and self-respect. This phrase carries a connotation of arrogance and can be misconstrued as negative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lofty self-regard" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object or subject of a sentence. It describes a particular attribute or characteristic of an individual or entity, indicating an elevated and often exaggerated opinion of oneself.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lofty self-regard" is a phrase used to describe an exaggerated and often unwarranted high opinion of oneself. While grammatically correct, its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English, typically to express disapproval of someone's arrogance. When writing, be mindful of the phrase's negative connotation, and consider alternatives like "exaggerated self-esteem" or "inflated ego" if a more neutral tone is desired. The presence of "lofty self-regard" suggests arrogance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exaggerated self-esteem

Emphasizes an inflated sense of one's worth, shifting focus from regard to esteem.

excessive pride

Focuses solely on the pride aspect, omitting the element of self-evaluation.

inflated ego

Uses a more psychological term, 'ego', to describe an excessively high self-opinion.

supreme arrogance

Highlights the arrogance component, suggesting an overbearing sense of superiority.

grandiose self-image

Replaces 'regard' with 'self-image', suggesting a constructed, possibly unrealistic, view of oneself.

overweening pride

Uses a less common word, 'overweening', to intensify the sense of excessive pride.

unjustified self-importance

Adds the element of 'unjustified', implying that the high self-opinion is not based on merit.

smugness

A simpler, more direct term for self-satisfaction and a sense of superiority.

conceit

Focuses on vanity and an exaggerated belief in one's own abilities or attractiveness.

hubris

Implies excessive pride and self-confidence leading to a downfall.

FAQs

What does "lofty self-regard" mean?

The phrase "lofty self-regard" describes an excessively high opinion of oneself, often implying arrogance or a sense of superiority. It suggests a self-evaluation that is detached from reality.

How can I use "lofty self-regard" in a sentence?

You might say, "His lofty self-regard made it difficult for him to accept constructive criticism," or "The CEO's lofty self-regard blinded him to the company's declining performance."

What are some alternatives to "lofty self-regard"?

You can use alternatives such as "exaggerated self-esteem", "excessive pride", or "inflated ego", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Consider also alternatives such as "supreme arrogance" or "grandiose self-image".

Is "lofty self-regard" the same as self-confidence?

No, while both involve a positive view of oneself, "lofty self-regard" implies an exaggerated and potentially unjustified sense of importance, whereas self-confidence is a more balanced and realistic assessment of one's abilities.