Adjective

(er)

high, tall, having great height or stature

* {{quote-book

, year=1862 , author=George Borrow , title=Wild Wales , chapter=98 citation , passage=On my left was a river, which came roaring down from a range of lofty mountains right before me to the south-east.}}

a lofty bed

idealistic, implying over-optimism

a lofty goal

* 2013 , Delme Parfitt in Wales Online'', ''Cardiff City 1 - 0 Swansea City: Steven Caulker heads Bluebirds to South Wales derby win (3 November 2013)

A goal from Steven Caulker, just after the hour mark, was enough to hand victory to Malky Mackay's men, with Swansea falling some way short of the lofty standards they have set previously at this level.

extremely proud; arrogant; haughty

* F. Harrison

that lofty pity with which prosperous folk are apt to remember their grandfathers

Adjective

(en adjective)

Assuming a tone of superiority, or a patronizing attitude.

Quit talking to me in that condescending tone! You always treat me like a child – ugh!