Loft: meaning, definitions and examples

A loft often refers to a large, open space usually found in older industrial buildings or barns that have been converted into living quarters. It's often associated with urban living and modern, stylish apartments.

• They decided to buy a loft in the city center.
• The artist's studio was located in a spacious loft.

An attic is a room or space directly under the roof of a house, often used for storage. It's generally associated with residential homes and can sometimes be converted into an extra bedroom or living space.

• We keep old furniture and memorabilia in the attic.
• She transformed the attic into a cozy reading room.

A garret is a small, often cramped and usually dimly-lit attic room, typically found in older houses and often associated with artists or writers working in humble conditions. It has a somewhat negative connotation due to its association with poverty and discomfort.

• The starving artist lived and painted in his tiny garret.
• Her garret was sparsely furnished, with just a bed and a writing desk.

An upper room is a general term that can refer to any room located on an upper floor of a building. It is neutral and can be used in various contexts, from homes to commercial buildings.

• The family gathered in the upper room for the holiday dinner.
• She rented an upper room in the hotel for her stay.

An upper room or floor in a building, typically used for storage or as a living space, often found in barns or industrial buildings converted into living spaces.

• They turned the old barn's loft into a cozy living room.
• I store my winter clothes in the loft above the garage.

A space for displaying art or a long, narrow room or balcony that provides a high vantage point, often found in theaters or large public spaces.

• The art gallery will feature works by local artists this weekend.
• We sat in the theater gallery, where we had a great view of the stage.

A platform projecting from the wall of a building, typically work or recreational outdoor space attached to an upper floor, often found in apartments or theaters.

• We had our morning coffee on the balcony overlooking the park.
• She stood on the balcony and waved to the people below.

An intermediate floor between the main floors of a building, typically found in theaters, stores, or hotels, often used for additional seating or a lounge area.

• Our hotel room is on the mezzanine level, right above the lobby.
• They added a mezzanine to the store for extra retail space.

Use 'loft' when talking about lifting something to a considerable height, often in the context of sports or throwing an object.

• He lofted the ball high into the air

Use 'raise' in a broad range of situations, from lifting objects to increasing amounts, growing children, or asking questions.

• Please raise your hand if you have a question
• They plan to raise prices next year
• She needs to raise the baby on her own

Use 'elevate' to speak about raising something to a higher position, both in a physical and metaphorical sense, often used in more formal contexts.

• The doctor said to elevate your leg to reduce swelling
• Meditation can elevate your state of mind

Use 'boost' when you want to talk about increasing or improving something, often in the context of energy, confidence, or success.

• We need to boost sales this quarter
• Her compliment boosted his confidence