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aloof

adjective
\ ə-ˈlüf How to pronounce aloof (audio) \

Definition of aloof

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: removed or distant either physically or emotionally an aloof, unfriendly manner He stood aloof from worldly success.— John Buchan

aloof

adverb
\ ə-ˈlüf How to pronounce aloof (audio) \

Definition of aloof (Entry 2 of 2)

: at a distance trying to keep failure aloof
Other Words from aloof Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Can you be loof instead of aloof? More Example Sentences Learn More about aloof

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Other Words from aloof

Adjective

aloofly adverb
aloofness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for aloof

Adjective

indifferent, unconcerned, incurious, aloof, detached, disinterested mean not showing or feeling interest. indifferent implies neutrality of attitude from lack of inclination, preference, or prejudice. indifferent to the dictates of fashion unconcerned suggests a lack of sensitivity or regard for others' needs or troubles. unconcerned about the homeless incurious implies an inability to take a normal interest due to dullness of mind or to self-centeredness. incurious about the world aloof suggests a cool reserve arising from a sense of superiority or disdain for inferiors or from shyness. aloof from his coworkers detached implies an objective attitude achieved through absence of prejudice or selfishness. observed family gatherings with detached amusement disinterested implies a circumstantial freedom from concern for personal or especially financial advantage that enables one to judge or advise without bias. judged by a panel of disinterested observers

Can you be loof instead of aloof?

The English language has a large number of words that contain a negative prefix, and for the most part these will leave us with an easy way to understand these words if we take their prefixes away. Disinclined is "the state or condition of not being inclined to do something," unaware means "not being aware," and amoral refers to not being moral. Every so often, however, we come across specimens which appear somewhat odd if we take away the prefix; if disgruntled means “discontented” then does gruntle mean “to make content”? And if aloof means “emotionally or physically distant” then must loof mean “emotionally or physically close”?

It’s a bit complicated. In the case of gruntle, the word does indeed mean “to put in a good humor,” but only because people began using it in this fashion in the early 20th century as a jocular back-formation from disgruntle. Gruntle had an earlier sense, which was “grumble,” and the dis- in disgruntle was an intensifying prefix rather than a negative one. In the case of aloof the a- is a negative prefix, but loof did not mean “close.” This word is a variant of luff, which referred to the side of a ship, and the earliest sense of aloof was “to windward.” Soon after the word entered English it began to be used to mean “at a distance,” and soon after that took on the meaning of “physically or emotionally removed.”

Examples of aloof in a Sentence

Adjective

 In truth, he isn't so much aloof as he is courtly in a formal, afternoon-tea sort of way. — Joe Klein, Time, 21 July 2003 Most American journalists who "do" politics cannot resist getting to know the Players. Walter Lippmann was typical of an earlier generation, the disinterested wise man who remained aloof, chiselling great thoughts on marble columns. — Gore Vidal, Nation, 12 June 1995 Jeremy Price (this name and a few others have been changed), a black teacher from St. Paul's, tried a few times to make small talk, but he was a Brahmin from another planet: cool, ironic, aloof. — Lorene Cary, Black Ice, 1991 Somehow, I remember the fireworks man as solitary, aloof, coveralled, perhaps sooty, staring straight ahead as he came, perhaps reflecting back on the trench-war violence he had just been a part of … — George Plimpton, Fireworks, 1984 They tried to keep aloof from the politics of the day. the new kid was really not so aloof as we thought him at first, just painfully shy
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Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

 But Trump seemed aloof throughout the exchange, which quickly went viral. — Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, "Iraqi refugee Nadia Murad to Trump: ISIS killed family. Trump responds: Where are they now?," 19 July 2019 Depending on the perspective and the position of the sun, the Avery can seem jagged or sleek, an aloof shaft or an eye-catching dissection of form. — John King, SFChronicle.com, "Chiseled glass tower offers window into SF’s contradictions," 18 July 2019 One common perception of Rick is as this aloof Zen master. — Sarah Rodman, EW.com, "Won't You Be My Neighbor? director sets his sights on Rick Rubin in new Showtime series," 13 July 2019 But Americans generally saw it as an affirmation of national greatness after a decade of tragedy, upheaval and Cold War, and the whole world thrilled to this intimate encounter with the moon, which had been aloof since something like forever. — Vicki Goldberg, New York Times, "The Moon Sits for Its Portrait," 3 July 2019 For a performer who once cultivated an aloof and even menacing persona, Cave's turn toward communion, on stage and online, is striking. — Daniel Burke, CNN, "A rock star was asked what God's voice sounds like. His answer is beautiful," 29 June 2019 The crew blew by, aloof, but the captain stopped at the desk to address the gate agent, a tiny middle-aged brunette. — Lisa Wells, Harper's magazine, "Nightmares at 20,000 Feet," 10 Apr. 2019 Although courteous, graceful, and charming, there was little warmth; the migrainous person was cold, aloof, detached. — Katherine Foxhall, Time, "How A Nurse With a Hole in Her Skull Changed The Medical History of Migraines," 18 June 2019 Fred Wellisch and Lucinda Johnston play the aloof parents, Lyman and Polly Wyeth. — Philip Potempa, Post-Tribune, "Family secrets come out in Dunes Summer Theatre's 'Other Desert Cities'," 13 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aloof.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of aloof

Adjective

1608, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1523, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for aloof

Adverb and Adjective

obsolete aloof to windward, from a- entry 1 + louf, luf luff

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More Definitions for aloof

aloof

adjective
How to pronounce aloof (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of aloof

: not involved with or friendly toward other people
: not involved in or influenced by something

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