aloof

American  

[uh-loof] / əˈluf /

adverb

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

   They always stood aloof from their classmates.

   Antonyms:

   near

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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 British  

/ əˈluːf /

adjective

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

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Other Word Forms

• aloofly adverb
• aloofness noun

Etymology

Origin of aloof

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

Example Sentences

Before Ferdie was a year old, his parents decided to keep him “entirely aloof from mediumship” and out of the public eye, at least until he grew up.

From Literature

“People shouldn’t care to hear my opinion. I didn’t have a phone for 18 months… I hate to be the artist that’s that aloof, but I’m so disconnected from what’s happening.”

From Salon

You’re not some careless, aloof fool; your behavior at times just very closely resembles that of a careless, aloof fool.

From The Wall Street Journal

The big news in recent decades of Shakespeare studies is that the Bard was not as aloof as his statue’s height and location would lead you to believe.

From The Wall Street Journal

Yet, this is a character who hates pity and I can’t help but admire that Ramsay faces down today’s phonily upbeat and relatable motherhood discourse with this boogey-mom who keeps herself aloof.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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