lofty sentiments

USAGE SUMMARY

'lofty sentiments' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe noble or idealistic principles or goals. For example, "The founders of the country expressed lofty sentiments of justice and freedom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

But two cold and drizzly hours later, such lofty sentiments were wishful thinking.

The New York Times - Arts

For this hard-bitten critic, the musicians' lofty sentiments were easy to credit.

The New York Times - Arts

But the contrast between these lofty sentiments and his dismissive response to last week's uranium enrichment "swap" deal with Iran, brokered by Turkey and Brazil, was jarring.

The Guardian - Opinion

Powell was measured, soft-spoken, deferential and somewhat prone to lofty sentiments of the after-dinner-speaker variety, while Rice fired off a steady ack-ack of particulars.

The New York Times - Magazine

The charity is "calling on politicians to take responsibility for the ethical operation of companies rather than surrendering it to those from business peddling fine words and lofty sentiments".

The Economist

In his important theoretical designs for public monuments, Boullée sought to inspire lofty sentiments in the viewer by architectural forms suggesting the sublimity, immensity, and awesomeness of the natural world, as well as the divine intelligence underlying its creation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Irony flattens her lofty sentiment.

The New Yorker

But Percival Everett's new novel, ERASURE University Presss of New England, $24.95), cunningly pokes fun at such lofty sentiment.

The New York Times - Books

Medea, Clytemnestra, St. Joan, Jocasta, the Bride in "Appalachian Spring" are all given vivid life in her declamatory mix of lofty sentiment and earthy realism.

The New York Times - Arts

AGES 9-11 -- There will be parental disagreement, but a movie full of X-treme sport and lofty sentiment isn't the worst thing in the world.

The New York Times

A result is a tour-de-force mélange of high adventure, lofty sentiment and realistic detail, as is true of another pair of screens that dramatize the medieval war saga, called "Chronicle of the Great Peace".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lofty sentiments" when you want to describe noble or idealistic feelings, often expressed in a formal or public context.

Common error

Avoid using "lofty sentiments" sarcastically to describe insincere or exaggerated expressions, as this can dilute the intended meaning. Instead, consider phrases like "hollow words" or "empty promises" for insincere expressions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lofty sentiments" functions as a noun phrase, where "lofty" modifies the noun "sentiments". According to Ludwig AI, it is used to describe noble or idealistic principles or goals.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lofty sentiments" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe noble or idealistic feelings, principles, or goals. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not overly common, its usage is consistent, particularly in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "noble ideals" and "elevated thoughts", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning of elevated or high-minded feelings, avoiding sarcastic or insincere applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

noble ideals

Focuses more on the abstract principles rather than the expression of feelings.

exalted feelings

Stresses the intensity and grandeur of the emotions.

elevated thoughts

Emphasizes the intellectual aspect of the sentiments.

high-minded principles

Places greater emphasis on moral and ethical standards.

sublime emotions

Emphasizes the awe-inspiring and overwhelming nature of the feelings.

idealistic notions

Highlights the often unrealistic or impractical nature of the sentiments.

lofty aspirations

Shifts the focus to ambitious goals rather than expressions.

grand pronouncements

Highlights the formal and public nature of the expression.

inflated rhetoric

Suggests a negative connotation of excessive or insincere expression.

magnanimous gestures

Implies a broader action that displays generosity or nobility, rather than simply a feeling or expression.

FAQs

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

"Lofty sentiments" are often used to describe ideals or principles. For example, "The politician expressed "lofty sentiments" about unity and progress during the speech".

What's a good alternative to "lofty sentiments"?

Alternatives include "noble ideals", "elevated thoughts", or "idealistic notions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "lofty sentiments" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "lofty sentiments" is better suited for formal writing or speeches due to its somewhat elevated tone. In informal contexts, consider simpler phrases like "good intentions" or "high hopes".

What is the difference between "lofty sentiments" and "pious platitudes"?

"Lofty sentiments" generally refer to sincere, though perhaps idealistic, feelings or expressions. "Pious platitudes", on the other hand, suggests insincere or empty expressions of virtue. The key difference lies in the perceived sincerity.