aloof

[uh-loof]

adverb

1. at a distance, especially in feeling or interest; apart.

   They always stood aloof from their classmates.

   Antonyms: near

adjective

1. reserved or reticent; indifferent; disinterested.

   Because of his shyness, he had the reputation of being aloof.

   Synonyms: disdainful, haughty, snobbish, standoffish, distant, detached, cool
   Antonyms: open, warm, outgoing, gregarious

aloof

/ əˈluːf /

adjective

1. distant, unsympathetic, or supercilious in manner, attitude, or feeling

Other Word Forms

• aloofly adverb
• aloofness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of aloof¹

First recorded in 1525–35; a- ¹ + loof luff

Word History and Origins

Origin of aloof¹

C16: from _a- ¹ + loof, a variant of _luff

Example Sentences

In recent weeks, stung by criticism that she was aloof from her MPs, Badenoch has begun inviting in small groups for lunch.

Read more on BBC

These apps are designed to keep us aloof, always wondering if the perfect person could be one more right-swipe away.

Read more on Salon

You just think he’s British, so there’s that element to it where there’s something erudite or aloof about many of the androids.

Read more on Salon

Never a natural politician, he was seen as aloof and austere.

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That said, Aurienne does toe the line between aloof and arrogantly unlikable.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• detached 
• distant 
• haughty 
• indifferent 
• standoffish 
• unresponsive 
• unsympathetic