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aloof
IPA:
Dictionary definition of aloof
Distant, emotionally cold, and lacking friendliness or interest in others.
"The manager was aloof and distant, rarely interacting with his team."
Detailed meaning of aloof
The word "aloof" means to be distant or reserved in manner, especially when dealing with others. It can also be used to describe someone who is not friendly or approachable. For example, you might say that someone is aloof when they are not interested in talking to others or getting involved in social activities. Alternatively, you might describe someone as being aloof if they seem cold or detached in their interactions with others.
Example sentences containing aloof
1. His shyness was sometimes mistake as being aloof.
2. He had an aloof manner and made no effort to make friends with the group.
3. They found it frustrating when he kept so aloof and refused to open up.
4. We found her aloof manner actually quite rude and unfriendly.
5. She thought she was better than everyone else and became an aloof figure in the commnuity.
6. She was known for being aloof and distant, rarely engaging in small talk with her coworkers.
History and etymology of aloof
The adjective 'aloof' has an etymology that traces its origins back to Dutch and Middle English. It is believed to have evolved from the Middle English word 'aloof,' which means 'away from,' 'at a distance,' or 'off the wind.' This Middle English term has Dutch roots, where 'loof' means 'the weather side of a ship.' Over time, 'aloof' came to describe someone who keeps themselves emotionally distant, appearing cold or disinterested in others. The nautical origins of the word highlight the idea of maintaining a certain distance or detachment, akin to keeping one's emotional distance from social interactions. The etymology of 'aloof' underscores its connotation of emotional detachment and a reluctance to engage closely with others.
Further usage examples of aloof
1. He remained aloof throughout the party, standing off to the side and not interacting with anyone.
2. Despite the chaos around her, she remained aloof, her expression calm and detached.
3. The cat sat on the windowsill, watching the world go by with an aloof expression.
4. He was always aloof, rarely letting anyone get close to him emotionally.
5. She was known for being aloof and cool, rarely showing any emotion.
6. She joined the group but remained aloof and emotionally distant.
7. The actor was aloof and distant at the press conference, answering questions in monosyllables.
8. He was always aloof and reserved, rarely joining in group activities.
9. The company was criticized for being aloof and unresponsive to customer complaints.
10. Despite being surrounded by people, he felt aloof and disconnected from the world.
11. She was always aloof and distant, making it difficult for others to get to know her.
12. She remained aloof, avoiding eye contact with anyone.
13. His aloof demeanor made it hard to approach him.
14. The CEO appeared aloof during the staff meeting.
15. The cat often seems aloof, even to its owners.
16. Her aloof attitude created a barrier between us.
17. He kept an aloof distance from social gatherings.
18. The professor's aloof teaching style puzzled students.
19. The politician's aloof nature turned voters away.
20. Despite her beauty, she came across as aloof.
21. The aloof boss rarely interacted with employees.
22. They found his aloof behavior off-putting.
23. The aloof neighbor seldom acknowledged greetings.
24. The aloof stranger sat quietly in the corner.
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SAT 5 (Scholastic Assessment Test), Personality and Character Traits, Demeanor and Bearing
detached,impersonal,indifferent,reserved,unapproachable,uncommunicative,unforthcoming,unfriendly,withdrawn
cool,disinterested,distant,remote,standoffish,unresponsive
Synonyms for aloof
Quiz categories containing aloof
detached, friendly, warm, approachable
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