

It is necessary the queen join for, if she stand aloof, there will be still suspicions: it being a received opinion in the world, that she hath a great interest in the king’s favour and power. It is used metaphorically of persons that will not be seen in a design. When we would bring him on to some confession Nor do we find him forward to be sounded see thesaurus at unfriendly 2 deliberately not becoming involved in something remain/stand aloof (from something). Beneath that aloof exterior, Gayle is a warm, sympathetic person. In a figurative sense, it is used to import art or cunning in conversation, by which a man holds the principal question at a distance. aloof meaning, definition, what is aloof: unfriendly and deliberately not talking. His force too near, and by presuming dy’d. The water carried them away the earthen vessel kept aloof from t’other. Two pots stood by a river, one of brass, the other of clay.

The king would not, by any means, enter the city, until he had aloof seen the cross set up upon the greater tower of Granada, whereby it became Christian ground. Going northwards, aloof, as long as they had any doubt of being pursued, at last when they were out of reach, they turned and crossed the ocean to Spain. Turn on the bloody hounds with heads of steel, Applied to persons, it often insinuates caution and circumspection. The noise approaches, though our palace stoodĪloof from streets, encompass’d with a wood.ĭryden. While the promiscuous croud stood yet aloof. Then bad the knight this lady yede aloof,įrom whence she might behold the battle’s proof,Īnd else be safe from danger far descried.Ĭame singly where he stood, on the bare strand, It generally implies a small distance, such as is within view or observation. Mostly it describes a person who is cool and distant and who expresses indifference to the happenings around him.

This word also means unfriendly, distant, withdrawn, and unapproachable. It can be described as the state of being remote and reserved. The synonyms unconcerned and aloof are sometimes interchangeable, but unconcerned suggests a lack of sensitivity or regard for others' needs or troubles.Samuel Johnson's Dictionary (0.00 / 0 votes) Rate this definition:Įtymology: all off, that is, quite off. Aloof is a word for being physically and mentally detached. Indifferent to the dictates of fashion When is it sensible to use unconcerned instead of aloof? While in some cases nearly identical to aloof, indifferent implies neutrality of attitude from lack of inclination, preference, or prejudice. Incurious about the world When could indifferent be used to replace aloof? Specifically, incurious implies an inability to take a normal interest due to dullness of mind or to self-centeredness. The words incurious and aloof are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Judged by a panel of disinterested observers In what contexts can incurious take the place of aloof? Observed family gatherings with detached amusement When is disinterested a more appropriate choice than aloof?Īlthough the words disinterested and aloof have much in common, disinterested implies a circumstantial freedom from concern for personal or especially financial advantage that enables one to judge or advise without bias. The meanings of detached and aloof largely overlap however, detached implies an objective attitude achieved through absence of prejudice or selfishness. While all these words mean "not showing or feeling interest," aloof suggests a cool reserve arising from a sense of superiority or disdain for inferiors or from shyness.Īloof from his coworkers When might detached be a better fit than aloof? Some common synonyms of aloof are detached, disinterested, incurious, indifferent, and unconcerned. Frequently Asked Questions About aloof How does the adjective aloof contrast with its synonyms?
