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Definition of aloofness

aloofness

/əˈluːf.nəs/
a · loof · ness
Adverb:aloofly
•
Adjective:aloof
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aloofness Lexical Profile

aloofness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The state or quality of being emotionally distant, reserved, or uninvolved in social interactions.

Example

"His perceived aloofness at the reception was actually the result of severe social anxiety rather than arrogance."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for aloofness

• Nearby Words

alongside
aloof
aloofly
aloofness
alopecia
aloud
alp

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective 'aloof' and the suffix '-ness'. 'Aloof' originated as a 16th-century nautical term (from 'a-' meaning 'on' + 'loof' meaning the weatherward side of a ship, borrowed from Dutch 'loef'), referring to steering a ship into the wind to stay clear of a lee shore or another vessel.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Aloofness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/aloofness
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