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View synonyms for standoffish

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


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Derived Forms

  • ˌstandˈoffishly, adverb
  • ˌstandˈoffishness, noun

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Other Words From

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of standoffish1

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

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Example Sentences

Every standoffish adult survived as a chick by this cuddling.

In Google’s earliest days its co-founders were standoffish at best with journalists.

From Fortune

A father whose son played soccer with Holmes recalls that the young man was “kind of a strange, standoffish kid,” he said.

Jack and Jill, the two biggest ones, they was a leetle mite standoffish and inclined to play it safe.

He seemed to be extremely standoffish, cold from embarrassment, and proud from lack of graciousness.

His initial impression was he was a shade standoffish or not over effusive but it grew on him someway.

The meal ended, she rose and swept him a curtsey, neither over-friendly nor standoffish.

I am sure I don't know what to think of the English students being "standoffish" with Americans.

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standoff insulatorstandoff missile