adjective

aloof

/əˈluːf/ · say it: uh·LOOF

distant and unfriendly

In Personality & Character

In more detail

1. (adjective) not friendly or interested in being involved with other people

2. (adjective) physically distant or separated

Examples

1. She remained aloof from the office politics and didn't join any of the groups.
2. The captain stood aloof on the bridge, watching the crew work below.

How to use aloof

Aloof describes emotional or social distance, often implying deliberate detachment or coldness rather than shyness. It can suggest an air of superiority or indifference. The word works well when describing someone's behavior in social situations or their willingness to engage with others or events.

Common phrases

remain aloof
stand aloof
keep aloof from
aloof manner
aloof attitude

Synonyms

detached · distant · unfriendly · standoffish · remote

Opposites

friendly · involved · engaged

Word family

aloofness (noun) · aloofly (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use aloof to mean simply 'shy' or 'quiet,' but aloof carries a stronger sense of deliberate distance and often implies unfriendliness or disdain, whereas shyness is about nervousness or lack of confidence.

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