rarefied

/ˌrɛrəˈfaɪd/

Use the adjective rarefied to describe things that are so stylish, smart, or moral that they seem elevated above the ordinary, like the rarefied conversation of brilliant scholars.

To correctly pronounce rarefied, accent the first syllable: "RARE-uh-fied." In addition to high-minded conversation, the word rarefied can also describe the air in high elevations that has less oxygen, like the rarefied air that can be challenging to mountain climbers. Sometimes the quality of airlessness shades the other meaning of the word, implying that the rarefied world of elegant people isn't comfortable to everyone.

Definitions of rarefied

1. adjective

   of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style
   synonyms: elevated, exalted, grand, high-flown, high-minded, idealistic, lofty, noble-minded, rarified, sublime

   noble

   having or showing or indicative of high or elevated character
2. adjective

   having low density
   “lightheaded from the rarefied mountain air”

   synonyms: rare, rarified

   thin

   relatively thin in consistency or low in density; not viscous