English

Adverb

aloof ‎(comparative more aloof, superlative most aloof)

1. At or from a distance, but within view, or at a small distance; apart; away.
   • 1697, John Dryden, “Part 13”, in Virgil's Aeneid, Harvard Classics edition, translation of original by Virgil, published 2004, page 113:

     The noise approaches, tho' our palace stood / Aloof from streets, encompass'd with a wood

   • 1922, Ben Travers, chapter 2, in A Cuckoo in the Nest:

     Mother […] considered that the exclusiveness of Peter's circle was due not to its distinction, but to the fact that it was an inner Babylon of prodigality and whoredom, from which every Kensingtonian held aloof, except on the conventional tip-and-run excursions in pursuit of shopping, tea and theatres.

2. Without sympathy; unfavorably.
   • 1832, Isaac Taylor, Saturday evening, page 363:

     But to open the Bible in this spirit — to take the Book as from the hand of God, and then to look at it aloof, and with caution, as if throughout it were illusory and enigmatical, is the worst of all impieties.

Translations

Adjective

aloof ‎(comparative more aloof, superlative most aloof)

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

Translations

See also

• See also Wikisaurus:arrogant

Preposition

aloof

1. (obsolete) away from; clear of
   • Milton

     Rivetus […] would fain work himself aloof these rocks and quicksands.