What is "high-flown" in English? Definition and Explanations

Updated: 24-06-2026 by Wikilanguages.net
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What does high-flown mean in English? Meaning of high-flown definition and abbreviation with examples.

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What is "high-flown" in English? Definition and Explanations

Meaning of "high-flown": pretentious (especially with regard to language or ideals)

Adjective

  • Meaning: pretentious (especially with regard to language or ideals)
  • Example: high-flown talk of preserving the moral tone of the school a high-sounding dissertation on the means to attain social revolution
  • Synonyms: high-flown high-sounding inflated
  • Similar: pretentious
  • Meaning of "high-flown": of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style

    Adjective

  • Meaning: of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style
  • Example: an exalted ideal argue in terms of high-flown ideals a noble and lofty concept a grand purpose
  • Synonyms: elevated exalted grand high-flown high-minded idealistic lofty noble-minded rarefied rarified sublime
  • Similar: noble
  • Adjective: pretentiously eloquent; highly figurative Red River Settlement is, to use a high-flown expression, an oasis in the desert, and may be likened to a spot upon the moon or a solitary ship upon the ocean. In plain English, it is an isolated settlement on the borders of one of the vast prairies of North America. — R.M. Ballantyne, "Hudson Bay", 1850Red River Settlement is, to use a high-flown expression, an oasis in the desert, and may be likened to a spot upon the moon or a solitary ship upon the ocean. In plain English, it is an isolated settlement on the borders of one of the vast prairies of North America. — R.M. Ballantyne, "Hudson Bay", 1850lofty, extravagant, refined It seems to me he makes troubles, by expecting every one else to be as quixotic as himself. He is not likely to find high-flown notions among ordinary business men! — Mrs George de Horne Vaizey, "A Houseful of Girls", 1905It seems to me he makes troubles, by expecting every one else to be as quixotic as himself. He is not likely to find high-flown notions among ordinary business men! — Mrs George de Horne Vaizey, "A Houseful of Girls", 1905
  • Synonyms:

    bombastic, elaborate, exaggerated, extravagant, grandiloquent, grandiose, inflated, showy, turgid,

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    high-flown in English: high-flown
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