aloof

Everyday

1. Aloof means unfriendly and distant, keeping away from other people and not joining in. tree →
2. Keeping apart from something on purpose, not getting involved, as in «stay aloof from the argument». tree →

In the lessons

In stories it describes a cool, proud or shy character who keeps to themselves; the reader wonders why. Cat books often call cats aloof. Phrases: «remain aloof», «keep aloof from», «seem aloof».

Examples

• The new boy seemed aloof, but really he was shy. tree →
• Cats can be aloof and walk off when you call them. tree →
• She stayed aloof from the silly argument. tree →
• The princess was cold and aloof with the servants. tree →
• He looks aloof, but he is kind once you know him. tree →
• Don't judge someone as aloof too quickly. tree →
• Ajax alone, who still brooded over his wrongs, held aloof, refusing to converse with Odysseus, and sullenly retired when the hero addressed him. tree →

Note

Usually after a verb (be, seem, remain aloof). Trap: aloof can be shyness, not pride; the word tells how someone looks to others. Opposite: friendly, outgoing, warm.

In Jewish tradition

Here it means standing far away. Friends keep away from a suffering person, and a wise person keeps away from quarrels.

Interpretation. Tradition values staying out of strife and sees friends who leave a sufferer as a sad picture of loneliness in trouble.

Examples

• My friends and my companions stand aloof from my plague; and my kinsmen stand afar off. (Writings PSA.38.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• It is an honour for a man to keep aloof from strife; but every fool will be snarling. (Writings PRO.20.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• Otherwise if I had dealt falsely against mine own life — and there is no matter hid from the king — then thou thyself wouldest have stood aloof.' (Prophets 2SA.18.13, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Usually after a verb (be, seem, remain aloof). Trap: aloof can be shyness, not pride; the word tells how someone looks to others. Opposite: friendly, outgoing, warm.