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

• aloofness noun
• aloofly adverb

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

These apps are designed to keep us aloof, always wondering if the perfect person could be one more right-swipe away.

From 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.

From Salon

Never a natural politician, he was seen as aloof and austere.

From BBC

That said, Aurienne does toe the line between aloof and arrogantly unlikable.

From Los Angeles Times

The Spanish PM was noticeably aloof during the "family photo", preferring to stand on the end away from his Nato colleagues.

From BBC

Related Words

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