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View synonyms for aloof

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • aˈloofness, noun
  • aˈloofly, adverb
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Other Words From

  • a·loofly adverb
  • a·loofness noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of aloof1

First recorded in 1525–35; a- 1 + loof luff
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Word History and Origins

Origin of aloof1

C16: from a- 1+ loof, a variant of luff
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Example Sentences

He spoke of his mother as aloof and unloving and preferred the company of his “noble father,” who worked as a railroad station master and housed the family in an apartment above the Tulln station.

When you engage one of the many excellent rescue groups around the country, you will find there are clingy cats or aloof cats, energetic cats or lazy cats, stubborn cats or people pleasers.

From Salon

In “Dawson’s Creek,” the actor played the soap’s title character, an aspiring filmmaker who was initially aloof to his female best friend’s romantic feelings toward him.

It's toxic masculinity that teaches that a man's role is to be an aloof "provider" who is barely around and who disappears entirely if the relationship with their mother ends.

From Salon

Several observers noted that she seemed aloof and indifferent.

From BBC

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