'high-minded' is formed from the words 'high' and 'minded' in English, where 'high' refers to something elevated and 'minded' refers to having a particular kind of mind or attitude.

'high-minded' was created in English by combining 'high' (meaning elevated) and 'minded' (having a certain mind or attitude), and has been used since the 17th century to describe people with noble or lofty ideals.

Initially, it meant 'having an elevated mind or spirit,' and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'having strong moral principles or ideals.'