Aloof
/əˈluːf/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Aloof means being emotionally or physically distant from others. It describes a person who does not show much interest in joining groups or sharing feelings. They may seem quiet, cold, or separate from what is happening around them.
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See It in Action
Emotionally or socially distant; not friendly or involved
- •She stayed aloof during the conversation and did not join the group.
- •The new student seemed aloof and did not talk much to classmates.
- •He was aloof at the party, standing alone in the corner.
Physically distant or separated
- •The house was built aloof from the busy street, giving it privacy.
- •They kept aloof from the noisy crowd to enjoy the quiet park.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "aloof" like "quiet," but more distant and less friendly—someone who stays apart, not just silent
- ✓Picture a cat sitting alone on a high wall, watching people but not joining them
- ✓It's the feeling when someone seems to keep their thoughts and feelings to themselves and does not want to get close
- ✓Sounds like "a-LOOF" → imagine someone standing a little away, looking loose and separate from the group
- ✓Think of a character in a movie who watches others but never talks or joins the fun—they seem calm but distant
- ✓NOT like "shy" (shy people want to join but feel nervous), "aloof" people choose to stay apart
- ✓NOT like "rude" (rude people may be mean), "aloof" people are quiet and distant but not necessarily mean
- ✓NOT like "friendly" (open and warm), "aloof" is the opposite—closed and reserved
Try Other Words
- •Reserved: quiet and not showing feelings (Use when someone is quiet but not necessarily unfriendly)
- •Detached: not involved emotionally (Use when someone feels separate or not connected)
- •Withdrawn: shy or quiet, avoiding people (Use when someone avoids social contact, often from nervousness)
- •Cold: not warm or friendly (Use when someone shows no emotion or kindness)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "a-" (a prefix meaning "on" or "at") + "loof" (an old word meaning "air" or "lookout place" in Scots, meaning to stay at a distance)
- •Etymology: From Scots language, originally meaning "to keep at a distance, to look out"
- •Historical development: Used since the 1500s to describe keeping away or being distant, especially in behavior
- •Modern usage: Describes people who are emotionally or socially distant, often quiet and not friendly but not rude
Reflect & Connect
•Can being aloof sometimes be a good thing? When might it help a person?
•How do you feel when someone you know is aloof? Does it make you want to get closer or stay away?
Fill in the blanks
1.She stayed aloof during the meeting because she wanted to ___ from the argument.
2.When someone is aloof, they often do not show much ___ or interest in others.
3.Unlike shy people, aloof individuals choose to be ___ from social activities.
4.The cat was aloof, sitting ___ from the other animals and watching quietly.
5.People who are aloof usually do not respond ___ to friendly invitations.
6.He acted aloof to avoid ___ in the group’s problems.
7.You can tell someone is aloof when they keep a ___ distance and do not join conversations.