The word "loft" is spelled with four letters and pronounced /lɒft/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "l" is pronounced as a clear "l" sound, with the tongue touching the gums behind the upper teeth. The "o" is pronounced as a short "o" sound, similar to the word "lot." The "f" is pronounced as a voiceless fricative, with air passing through the lips. The "t" is pronounced as an unvoiced plosive, with the tongue touching the roof of the mouth.
Loft, as a noun, refers to a large, open space typically located within the upper levels of a building, such as a house, barn, or warehouse. This expansive area is often characterized by its high ceiling and absence of partition walls, making it suitable for various purposes including living, working, or storage. Lofts are often characterized by their industrial or rustic aesthetic, with exposed beams or brickwork, and large windows that allow ample natural light to enter the space.
In architecture, loft can also refer to a platform or gallery that overlooks the main area of a room or building, typically accessed via a staircase or ladder. These elevated spaces are frequently used as additional living quarters, bedrooms, or small offices.
As a verb, loft can mean to propel or throw an object, such as a ball or a projectile, in an arc or high trajectory. This action is often associated with sports like golf, baseball, or hockey, where players attempt to hit or shoot the ball into the air with enough force to cover a significant distance or clear an obstacle.
Additionally, loft can also be used as a noun to describe a thick wad of hair gathered and raised on top of a person's head, often secured with hairpins or other accessories, as a fashionable hairstyle.
A floor above another, especially one where anything is stored, commonly under the roof; a gallery in a hall or church.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "loft" originated from Middle English "lofte", which is derived from Old English "loft" or "loftē", meaning air, upper region, or a high place. The Old English term has Germanic roots and is related to the Old Norse "lopt" and Old High German "luft", which all share the same meaning. The word "loft" ultimately derives from the Proto-Germanic root word "*luftuz", meaning air or sky.