Lofty, a. [Compar. Loftier; superl. Loftiest.]
Etymology: [From Loft.]
1. Lifted high up; having great height; towering; high. See lofty Lebanon his head advance. Pope.
2. Fig.: Elevated in character, rank, dignity, spirit, bearing, language, etc.; exalted; noble; stately; characterized by pride; haughty. The high and lofty One, that inhabiteth eternity. Is. lvii. 15. Lofty and sour to them that loved him not. Shak. Himself to sing, and build the lofty rhyme. Milton.
Syn. -- Tall; high; exalted; dignified; stately; majestic; sublime; proud; haughty. See Tall.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for lofty; he lists it under high.
Where he writes about it:
That is lofty which is imposing or majestic in height; we term a spire tall with reference to its altitude, or lofty with reference to its majestic appearance. — from high
In the figurative sense, elevated is less than eminent, and this less than exalted; we speak of high, lofty, or elevated thoughts, aims, etc., in the good sense, but sometimes of high feelings, looks, words, etc., in the invidious sense of haughty or arrogant. — from high
A high ambition may be merely selfish; a lofty ambition is worthy and noble. — from high
Towering, in the literal sense compares with lofty and majestic; but in the figurative sense, its use is almost always invidious; as, a towering passion; a towering ambition disregards and crushes all opposing considerations, however rational, lovely, or holy. — from high