aloof

adjective
UK: /əˈluːf/
US: /əˈluːf/

  1. Not friendly or willing to take part in things.

    1. He seemed a bit aloof when we first met him at the party. [ ] [ ]
    2. She kept herself aloof from her classmates, preferring her own company. [ ] [ ]

  2. Distant in manner; not involved or caring about other people.

    1. The celebrity maintained an aloof distance from the reporters. [ ] [ ]
    2. His aloof demeanor made it difficult to approach him with the problem. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

reserved unapproachable distant remote detached standoffish
aloof adverb

  1. At a distance, but within view; at a distance, especially in feeling or interest; reserved.

    1. They stood aloof while the argument continued to escalate. [ ] [ ]
    2. He remained aloof from the project, offering no assistance or input to the team. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "aloof" in English means: Not friendly or willing to take part in things., Distant in manner; not involved or caring about other people..

The phonetic transcription of "aloof" is /əˈluːf/ in British English and /əˈluːf/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "aloof": reserved, unapproachable, distant, remote, detached, standoffish.

Example usage of "aloof": "He seemed a bit aloof when we first met him at the party.". More examples on the page.