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Meaning of aloof
The primary meaning of the word "aloof" is being distant or reserved in manner.
Etymology of aloof
The word "aloof" has its roots in the 16th-century nautical term "a-luff," meaning "to the windward" or "at a distance from the wind"
Initially used to describe a ship sailing to the windward of another ship, it later took on a figurative meaning of being distant or reserved in manner
Synonyms
distant
reserved
remote
detached
cold
unfriendly
unsociable
withdrawn
unapproachable
haughty
standoffish
inaccessible
uncommunicative
introverted
shy
reticent
taciturn
silent
unresponsive
indifferent
apathetic
uninterested
unconcerned
disconnected
separated
isolated
secluded
solitary
lonely
frosty
chilly
icy
glacial
formal
stiff
rigid
austere
stern
severe
forbidding
discouraging
uninviting
unwelcoming
unenthusiastic
uncooperative
hostile
antagonistic
opposed
averse
disinclined
reluctant
hesitant
wary
cautious
circumspect
discreet
secretive
mysterious
enigmatic
cryptic
ambiguous
obscure
vague
indistinct
unclear
undefined
uncertain
unsure
indecisive
undecided
hesitant
doubtful
skeptical
dubious
questionable
suspect
untrustworthy
unreliable
unfaithful
disloyal
treacherous
perfidious
inconstant
capricious
unpredictable
erratic
unstable
unsteady
variable
changeable
mercurial
volatile
fickle
flighty
whimsical
fanciful
quirky
eccentric
odd
peculiar
strange
unusual
abnormal
atypical
uncommon
rare
unique
singular
exceptional
extraordinary
remarkable
noteworthy
notable
conspicuous
noticeable
perceptible
discernible
detectable
visible
apparent
evident
obvious
manifest
palpable
tangible
concrete
substantial
material
physical
real
actual
factual
actualized
realized
actual
existent
existing.
Definitions
- Physically or emotionally distant from others
- Not friendly or sociable, preferring to be alone
- Unapproachable or unresponsive to others' advances or interactions
Usage Examples
- She stood aloof from the group, observing them with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion
- He has always been aloof, preferring to keep to himself rather than engage with his colleagues
- The celebrity remained aloof, refusing to give interviews or sign autographs for fans
Antonyms
friendly
sociable
outgoing
approachable
warm
welcoming
enthusiastic
cooperative
supportive
encouraging
inviting
engaging
interactive
communicative
responsive
receptive
open
accessible
congenial
affable
amiable
cordial
genial
hospitable
gracious
courteous
polite
considerate
attentive
interested
concerned
caring
empathetic
sympathetic
compassionate
loyal
faithful
devoted
dedicated
committed
dependable
reliable
trustworthy
constant
steady
stable
predictable
consistent
steady
unwavering
unshakeable
unflinching
resolute
firm
decisive
determined
sure
confident
assured.