Word origins - 2ed. J. Ayto. 2005.
Aloof — A*loof , adv. [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. [1913 Webster] Our palace stood aloof from… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Aloof — A*loof , prep. Away from; clear from. [Obs.] [1913 Webster] Rivetus . . . would fain work himself aloof these rocks and quicksands. Milton. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
aloof — aloof·ness; aloof; … English syllables
aloof — [ə lo͞of′] adv. [a , A 1 + loof < Du loef, LUFF] at a distance but in view; apart adj. 1. at a distance; removed 2. distant in sympathy, interest, etc.; reserved and cool [her manner was aloof] aloofly adv. aloofness … English World dictionary
Aloof — A*loof , n. (Zo[ o]l.) Same as {Alewife}. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
aloof — index cold blooded, controlled (restrained), disdainful, dispassionate, insusceptible (uncaring), orgulous … Law dictionary
aloof — [ə lu:f] <engl. ; eigtl. »fern, abseits«> dem Wind zugedreht, luvwärts (Seemannsspr.) … Das große Fremdwörterbuch
aloof — (adj.) 1530s, from A (Cf. a ) (1) + M.E. loof weather gage, also windward direction, probably from Du. loef (M.Du. lof) the weather side of a ship. Originally a nautical order to keep the ship s head to the wind, thus to stay clear of a lee shore … Etymology dictionary
aloof — *indifferent, detached, uninterested, disinterested, unconcerned, incurious Analogous words: disdainful, haughty, arrogant, *proud: cool, *cold: reserved, reticent, *silent Antonyms: familiar, close Contrasted words: friendly, neighborly (see… … New Dictionary of Synonyms
aloof — [adj] remote above, apart, casual, chilly, cold, cold fish*, cool, detached, distant, forbidding, hard boiled*, hard hearted, haughty, incurious, indifferent, laid back*, loner*, lone wolf*, offish*, on ice*, putting on airs*, reserved, secluded … New thesaurus
aloof — ► ADJECTIVE ▪ cool and distant. DERIVATIVES aloofly adverb aloofness noun. ORIGIN from LUFF(Cf. ↑luff); originally in nautical use meaning «away and to windward!», i.e. with the ship kept away from a lee shore or other hazard … English terms dictionary
