Meaning & Definition
adjective
Not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant.
Despite being invited to join the conversation, she remained aloof and uninterested.
Emotionally detached; uninvolved.
His aloof demeanor made it hard for others to connect with him.
At a distance; physically or emotionally.
The cat watched us from a perch, seeming aloof and indifferent to our presence.
Etymology
Middle English 'a-loof' meaning at a distance or away.
Common Phrases and Expressions
stay aloof:
to remain distant and uninvolved in a situation.
aloof smile:
a smile that is polite but lacks warmth or engagement.
aloof behavior:
conduct that is distant and unsociable.
Slang Meanings
Playing hard to get.
She was acting aloof to keep him interested.
Being standoffish.
Don't be so aloof; join in the conversation!