Aloof Meaning and Definition
Aloof
Pronunciation
/əˈluːf/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
A person who is aloof is distant, reserved, or difficult to approach; not wanting to get close or involved with others.
Examples
- He kept an aloof distance from the other campers, preferring to be alone.
- Her aloof nature made it hard for people to get close to her.
- The celebrity remained aloof, refusing to sign autographs or take pictures with fans.
- After the breakup, he became aloof and distant, leaving her wondering what had happened.
- Her aloof demeanor made it difficult for her to make friends in the new town.
Synonyms
- Distant
- Reserved
- Remote
Antonyms
- Intimate
- Approachable
- Affable
Additional Information
Aloof people often have a hard time forming close relationships due to their natural reserve. However, this can also be a sign of strength and self-preservation. Being aloof can be a coping mechanism for those who struggle with emotional intimacy or attachment.
Etymology
The word “aloof” comes from the Old English word “alofern”, which means “to keep at a distance”. It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe someone who keeps a certain distance from others.
Usage Notes
Aloof is often used to describe someone’s attitude or behavior towards others, rather than their physical distance from them. It can be used in a variety of contexts, including social relationships, work environments, and personal interactions.
Cultural References
Aloofness is often depicted as a trait of certain characters in literature and film, such as the protagonist of the novel “The Catcher in the Rye” or the character of the “loner” in popular culture.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Idiomatic expressions related to aloof include “hard to get” and “difficult to approach”, which describe someone who is not easily accessible or engaging.
Related Words or Phrases
Other words and phrases related to aloof include “distant”, “reserved”, and ” standoffish”, which all convey a sense of keeping one’s distance from others.
Collocations
Aloof is often collocated with words like “nature”, “attitude”, “personality”, “behavior”, and “distance”, to describe someone’s tendency to keep a certain distance from others.
Frequency of Use
Aloof is a relatively uncommon word, ranking around 40th in frequency among English adjectives. However, it is often used in formal writing and speech to convey a sense of elegance or sophistication.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of aloof include “alof”, “alouf”, and “aloofe”, which can be avoided by paying close attention to the correct spelling and pronunciation of the word.