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

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.

From New York Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

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