aloof

aloof — 形容詞

1. behaving in a way that shows you want to keep emotional or social distance from

1.形容詞B2
釋義

冷淡的；疏離的

不友善或不願合群的態度

behaving in a way that shows you want to keep emotional or social distance from others; seeming cold or unfriendly.

例句

The new neighbour stayed aloof from the street party, watching from behind her curtain.

新鄰居對街頭派對保持冷淡，只躲在窗簾後觀看。

stayed aloof from [social event]

Clara found the director aloof and unapproachable during the staff meeting.

Clara 覺得主管在員工會議上冷淡又難以親近。

find + object + aloof (perception verb pattern)

同義詞
  • distant

    emphasises lack of warmth in personal interaction; slightly milder than aloof

  • standoffish

    more informal; describes someone who seems deliberately unfriendly and hard to get to know

  • reserved

    neutral or slightly positive; suggests quietness and restraint rather than unfriendliness

  • remote

    suggests a dreamy or abstracted distance, not necessarily social coldness

反義詞

文法句型

seem/appear/remain + aloof

keep/stay + aloof from [noun phrase]

用法筆記

A person described as aloof may not be intentionally unfriendly — the word often describes an impression of coldness that others perceive, rather than a deliberate rejection.

常見錯誤

❌The teacher was aloof with the students, always ready to help.
✅The teacher was approachable with the students, always ready to help.
💡aloof describes emotional distance, the opposite of warm and helpful.

2. choosing not to get involved in an activity or discussion, often because you dis

2.形容詞B2
釋義

不介入的

因不認同而刻意不參與

choosing not to get involved in an activity or discussion, often because you disapprove of what is happening.

例句

The mayor remained aloof from the debate about the new shopping centre.

市長對新購物中心的辯論保持不介入的態度。

remain aloof from [debate/discussion]

Amara stayed aloof during the argument, refusing to take either side.

Amara 在爭論中置身事外，拒絕選邊站。

stay aloof during [conflict]

同義詞
  • detached

    can be neutral or positive; suggests objectivity rather than disapproval

  • uninvolved

    factual; simply describes non-participation without implying disapproval

  • disengaged

    suggests a withdrawal from active participation

反義詞

文法句型

remain/stay + aloof from [noun phrase]

hold/keep + aloof from [noun phrase]

用法筆記

This sense emphasizes a conscious decision to stay uninvolved. Distinguish from sense 1 (COLD OR STANDOFFISH): here the reason for keeping apart is disapproval of or disagreement with the activity, not a personality trait.

常見錯誤

❌He remained aloof from the project because he was too busy.
✅He remained aloof from the project because he disagreed with its approach.
💡aloof implies a deliberate choice based on disapproval, not a lack of time or energy.

aloof — 副詞