YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

aloof

Adjective

IPA /əˈluːf/

Understand it. Say it. Use it.

UNDERSTAND THE WORD

Meaning in plain English

Seeming distant and unwilling to be friendly or involved with the people around you, even when they approach you.

SAY IT ALOUD

Pronunciation

aloof/əˈluːf/

PICTURE THE IDEA

See the meaning

Compare

Others chat and welcome a newcomer
One person stays distant and does not join in

Someone may seem aloof when they keep a distant, unfriendly manner.

SEE IT IN EVERYDAY ENGLISH

Examples in context

Read the examples aloud. Notice how the word fits the sentence, then think of a situation of your own.

My new neighbour seemed aloof until we started talking about dogs.
During group discussions, Ravi appeared aloof and rarely joined the conversation.

MAKE IT STICK

Quick word quiz

Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.

Can you recall the word?

Complete the example using the word from this lesson.

My new neighbour seemed ________ until we started talking about dogs.

Show the answer

aloof — Seeming distant and unwilling to be friendly or involved with the people around you, even when they approach you.

Try your own sentence (optional)

Make it yours

Write one sentence using “aloof” about your own life.

Your sentence (optional)

Check your sentence

Does your sentence match this meaning?

Seeming distant and unwilling to be friendly or involved with the people around you, even when they approach you.

Compare: My new neighbour seemed aloof until we started talking about dogs.

Check the spelling and how the word fits the sentence. Your example can be different.

Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.

This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.

Word origin

Originally a sailing expression connected with luff, the edge of a sail; its meaning developed into being at a distance.

Did you know?

Keep aloof from something can also mean avoid becoming involved in it.

Explore related words

Open a word’s lesson when available, or explore entries that use the related term.

Make the word your own

Say the word aloud and read an example sentence.
Write a new sentence about something familiar to you.
Cover the meaning and try explaining the word in your own words.

Continue with the app’s practice check, then try a sentence of your own to mark this word complete.

Practise this word in the app

Completion and saved words stay in this browser on this device.