aloof

== English == === Etymology === From Middle English loof (“weather gage, windward direction”), probably from Middle Dutch (Compare Dutch loef (“the weather side of a ship”)), originally a nautical order to keep the ship's head to the wind, thus to stay clear of a lee-shore or some other quarter, hence the figurative sense of "at a distance, apart". === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /əˈluːf/ Rhymes: -uːf === Adverb === aloof (comparative more aloof, superlative most aloof) At or from a distance, but within view, or at a small distance; apart; away. Without sympathy; unfavorably. ==== Translations ==== === Adjective === aloof (comparative more aloof, superlative most aloof) Reserved and remote; either physically or emotionally distant; standoffish. Synonyms: remote, reserved; see also Thesaurus:aloof ==== Derived terms ==== aloofly aloofness ==== Translations ==== === Preposition === aloof (obsolete) Away from; clear of. === See also === See also Thesaurus:arrogant === References === === Anagrams === loofa