Aloof
/əˈluːf/
adjectiveIntermediateCommonGeneral
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
Remote in manner; showing little interest or concern.
/əˈluːf/
adjectivenegativeIntermediate
General
Not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant.
He remained aloof from the group's activities.
💡 Simply: Unfriendly and distant.
More Examples
2
Her aloof attitude made it difficult to connect with her.
How It's Used
Literature
"She maintained an aloof demeanor throughout the meeting."
Social Interactions
"He seemed aloof and uninterested in making friends."
From Middle English *alof, from Old Norse á lofti "in the loft, aloft," suggesting a sense of distance and detachment.
The word's original sense implied physical height or elevation, gradually evolving to its current metaphorical meaning of emotional distance.
Memory tip
Think of someone standing 'aloft' – high up and distant.
Practice
alofealuff
Usage
30%Spoken
70%Written