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View synonyms for aloof

aloof

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

/ əˈluːf /

adjective

1. distant, unsympathetic, or supercilious in manner, attitude, or feeling

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Derived Forms

• aˈloofness, noun
• aˈloofly, adverb

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Other Words From

• a·loofly adverb
• a·loofness noun

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Word History and Origins

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Word History and Origins

Origin of aloof1

C16: from

a- 1+ loof, a variant of

luff

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Example Sentences

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.

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.

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.

Several observers noted that she seemed aloof and indifferent.

“That’s very cool,” Winter said, adding that the bird seemed graceful as a ballerina, “the most aloof, elegant, svelte creature ever.”