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

During that time, her role evolved from one-on-one advocate to legislative reformer, from shielding individual survivors from an aloof and demoralizing system to changing that system itself.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“It’s a collective thing. I can’t taper that for individuals, but I can certainly be conscious of pacing and understanding. I don’t think I’m aloof enough to not have that in my mind.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

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