Lofty means very high in position or height. It can also describe ideas, goals, or attitudes that seem noble, grand, or sometimes proudly distant.
It comes from “loft,” meaning an upper room, plus the adjective ending “‑y.” The word shifted from literal height to emotional and moral height.
When we say someone has “lofty ideals,” we’re picturing their thoughts as being high above everyday concerns. Interestingly, what sounds noble can also sound snobby, showing how easily “high‑minded” can slide into “high‑and‑mighty.”
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