standoffishness

1.名詞C1

釋義

the quality of keeping a polite distance from other people, so that you seem a little cold and not very friendly toward them

例句

Otis greeted the new staff with a quiet standoffishness that made them feel unwelcome.

noun describing a cold, distant manner

The hotel owner mistook the manager's shyness for standoffishness and complained about her.

contrast: shyness vs standoffishness

同義詞

aloofness
very close in meaning; slightly more about emotional detachment than cold politeness
reserve
milder and often positive — quiet self-control rather than unfriendliness
coldness
stronger and more clearly unfriendly; less about keeping a formal distance

反義詞

warmth
open, friendly feeling shown toward others
friendliness
the everyday opposite — being easy and welcoming with people

文法句型

the standoffishness of [someone]

用法筆記

Uncountable: it names a personal manner, so use it without 'a' and without a plural. Often paired with 'toward' to name the people kept at a distance.

常見錯誤

❌She showed many standoffishnesses.

✅She showed a lot of standoffishness.

💡it is uncountable, so it has no plural form.

❌He has a standoffishness about meeting people.

✅He has a certain standoffishness about meeting people.

💡without a softener like 'certain', the bare article sounds unnatural.