HIGH-FLOWN

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does high-flown mean? 

• HIGH-FLOWN (adjective)
  The adjective HIGH-FLOWN has 2 senses:

1. pretentious (especially with regard to language or ideals)

2. of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style

  Familiarity information: HIGH-FLOWN used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• HIGH-FLOWN (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Pretentious (especially with regard to language or ideals)

Synonyms:

high-flown; high-sounding; inflated

Context example:

a high-sounding dissertation on the means to attain social revolution

Similar:

pretentious (making claim to or creating an appearance of (often undeserved) importance or distinction)

Domain usage:

colloquialism (a colloquial expression; characteristic of spoken or written communication that seeks to imitate informal speech)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style

Synonyms:

elevated; exalted; grand; high-flown; high-minded; idealistic; lofty; noble-minded; rarefied; rarified; sublime

Context example:

a grand purpose

Similar:

noble (having or showing or indicative of high or elevated character)

 Context examples 

It sounds high-flown and absurd, but consider the facts!

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The old lady relieves the high-flown benevolence of her husband with a good deal of spirit.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)