standoffish

or stand-off·ish

[ stand-aw-fish, -of-ish ]

adjective

1. somewhat aloof or reserved; cold and unfriendly.

standoffish

/ ˌstændˈɒfɪʃ /

adjective

1. reserved, haughty, or aloof

Derived Forms

• ˌstandˈoffishness, noun
• ˌstandˈoffishly, adverb

Other Words From

• standoffish·ly adverb
• standoffish·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of standoffish¹

First recorded in 1855–60; standoff + -ish ¹

Example Sentences

"I suspect people may have thought 'oh he's pretty standoffish' but it's a combination of shyness and not knowing what to say," he said.

From BBC

“Some of them were more standoffish, but Liam always was fun-loving and approachable,” the cinematographer told The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

I went from being very standoffish about him and not trusting him to really enjoying our conversations.

From Los Angeles Times

If we go along with the story at all, it’s thanks to Fanning, who resists the temptation of softening the edges of her stock character — a guilt-ridden young woman who hides behind a detached facade because “you wouldn’t like me if you knew the real me” — while also making the standoffish Mina worth caring for.

From New York Times

Or maybe the grouchy, standoffish, self-righteous pain in the butt is a character that resonates in Denmark.

From New York Times

Related Words

• aloof
• antisocial