Aloof

/əˈluːf/

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.

Middle English 'a-loof' meaning at a distance or away.

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.

detached

emotionally disconnected or disengaged.

reserved

slow to reveal emotions or opinions.

indifferent

having no particular interest or concern.

Playing hard to get.

She was acting aloof to keep him interested.

Being standoffish.

Don't be so aloof; join in the conversation!