Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Aloof

A-loof′

,
Noun.
(Zool.)
Same as
Alewife
.

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.
Our palace stood
aloof
from streets.
Dryden.
2.
Without sympathy; unfavorably.
To make the Bible as from the hand of God, and then to look at it
aloof
and with caution, is the worst of all impieties.
I. Taylor.

A-loof′

,
p
rep.
Away from; clear from.
[Obs.]
Rivetus . . . would fain work himself
aloof
these rocks and quicksands.
Milton.

Webster 1828 Edition


Aloof

ALOOF

,
adv.
[Probably from the root of leave, to depart.]
1.
At a distance, but within view, or at a small distance, in a literal sense; as, to stand aloof.
2.
In a figurative sense, not concerned in a design; declining to take any share, implying circumspection; keeping at a distance from the point, or matter in debate.

Definition 2024


aloof

aloof

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.