adv
aloft
uh-LOFT
Aloft (adv) means Up in the air or sky; overhead, in a high place. Example: “The kite soared aloft in the summer breeze.”
adv
1
Up in the air or sky; overhead, in a high place.
"He noticed that he still held the knife aloft and brought his arm down, replacing the blade in the sheath."
— William Golding, Lord of the Flies (1954)
"The kite soared aloft in the summer breeze."
"The champions held the trophy aloft for the cameras."
How to use aloft
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUp high, in the air.
When to use it
Somewhat literary or formal; more common in writing than everyday speech.
Common pairings
hold aloft
soar aloft
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more aloft
- Superlative
- most aloft
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The kite soared _____ in the summer breeze.
Etymology
From Old Norse á lopti, literally "in the sky/loft".
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “aloft” mean?
The word “aloft” means up in the air or sky; overhead, in a high place. In plain terms, up high, in the air.
How do you pronounce “aloft”?
“Aloft” is pronounced uh-LOFT (/əˈlɔft/ in IPA).
How do you use “aloft” in a sentence?
Here is “aloft” used in a sentence: “The kite soared aloft in the summer breeze.”
What part of speech is “aloft”?
“Aloft” is an adverb.
Where does the word “aloft” come from?
The word “aloft” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse á lopti, literally "in the sky/loft".
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