Aloof
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /əˈluːf/ · Part of speech adverb
Quick meaning: Aloof is an adverb meaning At or from a distance, but within view, or at a small distance; apart; away.
Meaning
At or from a distance, but within view, or at a small distance; apart; away.
More Meanings
- Without sympathy; unfavorably.
- Reserved and remote; either physically or emotionally distant; standoffish.
- (obsolete) Away from; clear of.
Example Sentences
Rivetus […] would fain work himself aloof these rocks and quicksands.
The noise approaches, tho' our palace stood Aloof from streets, encompass'd with a wood
Sisyphus also I saw, with unwelcomest taskage tormented, / Toilsomely hoisting aloof, unassisted, a ponderous round stone.
But to open the Bible in this spirit — to take the Book as from the hand of God, and then to look at it aloof, and with caution, as if throughout it were illusory and enigmatical, is the worst of all impieties.
Synonyms for aloof
Depending on context, synonyms include cool, distant, frosty, hankty, hard-to-get, offish.
Antonyms for aloof
Common opposites include friendly, hostile, nonaloof.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include distant, reserved, remote, far-off, aside, away.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.