— loftily , adv. — loftiness , n.
/lawf"tee, lof"-/ , adj., loftier, loftiest .
1. extending high in the air; of imposing height; towering: lofty mountains.
2. exalted in rank, dignity, or character; eminent.
3. elevated in style, tone, or sentiment, as writings or speech.
4. arrogantly or condescendingly superior in manner; haughty: to treat someone in a lofty manner.
5. Naut. noting a rig of a sailing ship having extraordinarily high masts.
6. (of fabric or yarn) thick and resilient.
[ 1400-50; late ME; see LOFT, -Y 1 ]
Syn. 1. elevated. See high. 3. sublime. 4. supercilious.
Ant. 2. lowly. 4. humble.