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

Derived Forms

• aˈloofness, noun
• aˈloofly, adverb

Other Words From

• a·loofly adverb
• a·loofness 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

Lawmakers were open about their displeasure with Pierson, who appeared aloof as she testified before them Tuesday morning.

From The Daily Beast

They should ask themselves instead how anyone as bored and aloof as Barack Obama could bother himself to hate anything.

From The Daily Beast

A Utah mother charged with killing six of her infant children was described as cold and aloof by a neighbor.

From The Daily Beast

“She was always aloof, quiet, and never put out any effort to reciprocate,” Wall said.

From The Daily Beast

I can see how it would make people come across as cagey or aloof.

From The Daily Beast

No one could be on such terms with whites, and be at heart an Indian, they thought; so they held aloof from Ramona.

From Project Gutenberg

He stood aloof from Balliol, and, in spite of marked snubbing, steadily adhered to Edward.

From Project Gutenberg

So Piegan Smith and I stood aloof and watched the grim play, for the fate of a woman hung in the balance.

From Project Gutenberg

The images and pictures on the outside of the wall were made repellent, to keep strangers aloof.

From Project Gutenberg

Unquestionably he stood aloof from the battle, watching its progress at a safe distance.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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