high-flown
Meaning
(of language or ideas) exaggerated and not practical or sincere
(archaic) elevated in style or character; lofty
Structure
Usage
The politician's speech was full of high-flown promises that were never intended to be kept.
I prefer simple, direct advice to high-flown philosophical theories.
The novel was criticized for its high-flown prose which many found difficult to understand.
Etymology
The compound adjective 'high-flown' is a metaphorical creation from the 17th century, directly built from the native English elements 'high' and 'flown'. It originally described something, such as a bird or an ambition, that had literally flown to a great height. This literal sense quickly evolved into a figurative meaning, applying to language, ideas, or sentiments that are excessively elevated or pretentious, as if they have soared beyond the bounds of practicality, sincerity, or good taste. The term perfectly encapsulates the concept of extravagant rhetoric or ambition being visually and conceptually "carried away" or "up in the air," far removed from solid ground or common sense.
Analysis
- high: From Old English hēah, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch hoog and German hoch. In this compound, it functions as an intensifier meaning "to a great degree" or "lofty." - flown: Past participle of the verb fly, from Old English flēogan, of Germanic origin. In this compound, it metaphorically suggests something that has soared or been elevated beyond a normal or reasonable level.