ALOOF

aloof, distant, upstage

(adjective) remote in manner; “stood apart with aloof dignity”; “a distant smile”; “he was upstage with strangers”

aloof

(adverb) in an aloof manner; “the local gentry and professional classes had held aloof for the school had accepted their sons readily enough”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

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.

Adjective

aloof (comparative more aloof, superlative most aloof)

Reserved and remote; either physically or emotionally distant; standoffish.

Preposition

aloof

(obsolete) Away from; clear of.

Anagrams

• loofa

Source: Wiktionary

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A*loof", n. (Zoöl.)

Definition: Same as Alewife.

A*loof", adv. Etym: [Pref. a- + loof, fr. D. loef luff, and so meaning, as a nautical word, to the windward. See Loof, Luff.]

1. At or from a distance, but within view, or at a small distance; apart; away. Our palace stood aloof from streets. Dryden.

2. Without sympathy; unfavorably. To make the Bible as from the hand of God, and then to look at it aloof and with caution, is the worst of all impieties. I. Taylor.

A*loof", prep.

Definition: Away from; clear from. [Obs.] Rivetus . . . would fain work himself aloof these rocks and quicksands. Milton.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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