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aloof in Gujarati ગુજરાતી

aloof in Hindi हिन्दी

aloof in Urdu اُردُو

aloof in English

  • aloof
    adj. unsympathetic; not interested; withdrawn; reserved.
    Ex. an aloof manner. Because of her shyness Jane seemed to be very aloof. Her aloof manner kept her from making many friends.
    (SYN) distant.

  • aloof
    adv. aloofly.

  • aloof
    adv. 1. at some distance but within view; away; apart.
    Ex. One boy stood aloof from all the others.
    2. without community of feeling.
    Ex. to stand aloof from family joys and sorrows.

  • aloof
    aloof, adverb, adjective.

  • aloof
    noun aloofness.

Dictionary Page: Aloof

Aloof

Part of Speech

Adjective, Adverb

Pronunciation

/əˈluːf/

Definitions

  1. Not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant.
  2. At a distance, especially in feeling or interest.
  3. Detached or indifferent, often in a way that implies lack of involvement.

Usage Examples

  • "She remained aloof during the meeting, not engaging in conversation."
  • "He felt aloof from the rest of the team, disconnected from their goals."
  • "Despite his aloof demeanor, he cared deeply about the issue."

Etymology

Originating from the early 17th century, the word "aloof" is derived from the Dutch word "a lof," meaning "to windward" or "at a distance." It was used to describe something positioned away from or at a distance, which then evolved to describe a social or emotional distance.

Synonyms

  • Distant
  • Detached
  • Reserved
  • Indifferent
  • Unapproachable

Antonyms

  • Friendly
  • Engaged
  • Warm
  • Approachable
  • Involved

Translations

Language Translation Pronunciation
Spanish Aloof /aˈluf/
French À l'écart /a leˈkaʁ/
German Abseits /ˈapˌzaɪts/
Italian Distante /diˈstante/
Portuguese Distante /disˈtɐ̃tʃi/
Hindi अलग (Alag) /əˈlʌg/
Arabic بعيد (Baa'id) /bæʕiːd/
Mandarin Chinese 疏远 (Shūyuǎn) /ʃuːjwen/
Japanese 遠く離れた (Tōku hanareta) /toːkɯ hanareta/
Korean 멀리 떨어진 (Meolli tteoreojin) /mʌlli t͈ʌlʌdʑin/

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The word "aloof" is generally pronounced the same in most English dialects, with slight variations in emphasis or speed. In some British English accents, the first syllable may be slightly more emphasized, while in American English, the emphasis is more neutral.

Historical Usage

The word "aloof" was originally used in a nautical sense, meaning to windward or at a distance from the shore. Over time, its usage expanded to describe physical and emotional distance, particularly in social contexts, and has been in use with its current meaning since the 17th century.

Cultural Nuances

The term "aloof" is often used to describe individuals who are seen as emotionally distant or detached, but it can also reflect a form of self-preservation or introspection. In many cultures, being aloof may be seen as a sign of respect or authority, whereas in others, it can be interpreted as a lack of social engagement or warmth.

More Information

"Aloof" continues to carry both negative and neutral connotations, depending on the context. While it can suggest detachment or coldness in a social setting, it may also imply a sense of privacy or boundary-setting. The word is widely used in literature and everyday speech, often used to describe characters who are emotionally distant or reserved.

Its historical usage, originating from maritime and wind-related terms, underscores its association with distance and separation. Today, it is commonly used to refer to individuals who maintain an emotional or social distance from others, either intentionally or unintentionally.

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