High-minded
adj.thoughtful, kindformal
What it means
Guided by honorable ideals and concern beyond narrow self-interest.
Reach for it when praising principled aims while checking whether conduct matches them
Her high-minded proposal paired equal access with a workable funding plan.
Choose between these
7- playful
ambitious ideals are described with a hint of distance
not when Lofty can be skeptical or mocking and may question practicality.
- everyday
strong ideals shape the person's goals
not when Idealistic can imply impracticality and does not prove honorable action.
- warm
unselfish purpose deserves elevated moral praise
not when Noble can sound grand or class-bound when ordinary decency is meant.
- professional
conduct accords with defensible moral standards
not when Ethical is analytical and less expressive about aspiration.
- professional
decisions consistently follow stated ethical commitments
not when Principled can describe a rigid position without the generous ideals of high-minded.
- formal
civic benefit motivates the action
not when Public spirit is community-focused and narrower than moral purpose generally.
- literary
generosity of spirit toward rivals or weaker parties is central
not when Magnanimous concerns treatment of others, not every high principle.
Said against
3- base
- self-serving
- unprincipled
It naturally appears in
3- high-minded ideal
The high-minded ideal gained force when the budget matched it.
- high-minded purpose
A high-minded purpose does not excuse excluding the people affected.
- high-minded reformer
The high-minded reformer invited critics to test her assumptions.