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Definition of standoffish

standoffish

/ˌstændˈɔː.fɪʃ/
stand · off · ish
Adverb:standoffishly
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standoffish Lexical Profile

standoffish Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Distant, cold, and unfriendly in manner toward other people; reluctant to be sociable or approachable.

Example

"At first, our new neighbor seemed a bit standoffish, but we soon realized he was simply shy around strangers."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for standoffish
Antonyms
View all antonyms for standoffish

• Rhymes for standoffish

• Nearby Words

standing
standings
standoff
standoffish
standoffishly
standoffishness
standout

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 18th century, the word combines the phrasal verb "stand off" (meaning to keep at a distance) with the adjectival suffix "-ish."

Cite this Entry

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