Aloof — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective adverb /ə-ˈlüf/

Meaning & Definition of Aloof

Aloof (adjective)

  1. removed or distant either physically or emotionally

Aloof (adverb)

  1. at a distance

Aloof (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others

    "the new kid was really not so aloof as we thought him at first, just painfully shy"

    similar: antisocial, asocial, buttoned-up, cold, cold-eyed, cool, detached, distant, dry, frosty, offish, remote, standoff, standoffish, unbending, unclubbable, unsociable
    related: indrawn, introverted, nongregarious, recessive, reclusive, reserved, unsocial, withdrawn, misanthropic, apathetic, hard, indifferent, unconcerned, clinical, dispassionate, impersonal, professional, disinterested, incurious, uninterested, reticent, silent, taciturn, uncommunicative, diffident, shy, timid, cliquey, cliquish, clubbish
    opposite: cordial, friendly, sociable, social, warm
    near: boon, clubbable, clubby, companionable, convivial, extroverted, gregarious, outgoing, communicative, expansive, garrulous, talkative, affable, folksy, genial, gracious, hospitable, agreeable, amiable, congenial, kindly, neighborly

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Aloof

The most common words with a similar meaning to Aloof:

antisocial, asocial, buttoned-up, cold, cold-eyed, cool, detached, distant, dry, frosty, offish, remote, standoff, standoffish, unbending, unclubbable, unsociable

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Aloof

Words with the opposite meaning of Aloof:

cordial, friendly, sociable, social, warm

Related Words for Aloof

indrawn, introverted, nongregarious, recessive, reclusive, reserved, unsocial, withdrawn, misanthropic, apathetic, hard, indifferent, unconcerned, clinical, dispassionate, impersonal, professional, disinterested, incurious, uninterested, reticent, silent, taciturn, uncommunicative, diffident, shy, timid, cliquey, cliquish, clubbish

Near Antonyms of Aloof

boon, clubbable, clubby, companionable, convivial, extroverted, gregarious, outgoing, communicative, expansive, garrulous, talkative, affable, folksy, genial, gracious, hospitable, agreeable, amiable, congenial, kindly, neighborly

Word Forms of Aloof

Derived words: aloofly (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Aloof

derivative of aloof:2

First known use: 1608

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Aloof

Frequently Asked Questions about Aloof

What does "Aloof" mean?

"Aloof" means removed or distant either physically or emotionally. As an an adjective and an adverb, it is defined as: removed or distant either physically or emotionally.

What is another word for "Aloof"?

Other words for "Aloof" include antisocial, asocial, buttoned-up, cold, cold-eyed, cool, detached and distant. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Aloof" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Aloof"?

There are 47 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Aloof". Common alternatives include antisocial, asocial, buttoned-up, cold, cold-eyed, cool, detached, distant, dry and frosty.

What is the opposite of "Aloof"?

Antonyms of "Aloof" include cordial, friendly, sociable, social and warm. Near antonyms include boon, clubbable, clubby and companionable.

How do you use "Aloof" in a sentence?

Examples of "Aloof" in a sentence: "the new kid was really not so aloof as we thought him at first, just painfully shy".

Is "Aloof" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Aloof" can be used as an adjective and an adverb, depending on the context.

Is "Aloof" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Aloof" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Aloof"?

"Aloof" is pronounced /ə-ˈlüf/.