Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Aloofness: meaning, definitions and examples

🤨
Add to dictionary

aloofness

 

[əˈluːfnəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

showing indifference

The quality or state of being aloof; aloof behavior or manner.

Synonyms

coldness, detachment, indifference, unapproachability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
aloofness

Used to describe someone who appears distant, reserved, or uninvolved socially or emotionally.

  • Her aloofness made it difficult for her colleagues to approach her with questions.
  • The principal's aloofness often intimidated the students.
detachment

Used to describe a neutral or unbiased stance, often in professional or therapeutic settings, but can also mean emotional distance.

  • The judge's detachment ensured a fair trial.
  • He maintained an emotional detachment to focus on the task at hand.
indifference

Used to describe a lack of interest, concern, or sympathy. It often implies a degree of apathy.

  • Her indifference to the plight of others was disheartening.
  • Despite the chaos around him, he showed complete indifference.
coldness

Used when describing behavior or attitude that lacks warmth or friendliness, often causing discomfort. It has a negative connotation.

  • His coldness towards the newcomers made them feel unwelcome.
  • The coldness in her voice suggested she was not interested in the conversation.
unapproachability

Used to describe someone or something that appears difficult or intimidating to engage with.

  • The boss's unapproachability discouraged employees from sharing their ideas.
  • Her unapproachability made it hard for others to get close to her.

Examples of usage

  • She maintained an aloofness from her coworkers.
  • His aloofness made it difficult to connect with him.
  • The aloofness of the cat was evident as it sat on the windowsill, ignoring everyone.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'aloof' comes from the Middle Dutch phrase 'a loe', meaning 'to keep at a distance'.
  • Originally, it referred to sailors who would 'keep away' from the shore when their ship was docked.
  • The word has evolved to describe emotional distance in social situations.

Psychology

  • People exhibiting aloofness may be perceived as more mysterious and intriguing, causing curiosity in others.
  • Aloofness can sometimes be a defense mechanism, where individuals protect themselves from potential social discomfort.
  • Studies show that those who are aloof may struggle with anxiety or shyness, affecting their social interactions.

Literature

  • Characters portrayed as aloof often create dramatic tension in stories, as their distance can lead to misunderstandings.
  • Classic novels often feature aloof protagonists to highlight themes of isolation and the complexities of human relationships.
  • Authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald used aloof characters to explore themes of disconnection within society.

Pop Culture

  • Aloof characters are common in film and television, often serving as the 'mysterious loner' archetype.
  • Many famous musicians and artists are perceived as aloof, contributing to their allure and public image.
  • Aloofness is sometimes romanticized in media, leading people to view it as a sign of sophistication or depth.

Sociology

  • Aloofness can serve social functions, allowing individuals to assert power dynamics or hierarchy in group settings.
  • Certain cultures value aloofness as a mark of composure and self-control, influencing how individuals interact.
  • Social trends indicate a growing acceptance of aloofness among younger generations, especially in digital communications.

Translations

Translations of the word "aloofness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 distanciamento

🇮🇳 अलगाव

🇩🇪 Zurückhaltung

🇮🇩 ketidakpedulian

🇺🇦 відчуженість

🇵🇱 zdystansowanie

🇯🇵 よそよそしさ

🇫🇷 détachement

🇪🇸 desapego

🇹🇷 soğukkanlılık

🇰🇷 냉담함

🇸🇦 انعزال

🇨🇿 odtažitost

🇸🇰 odmeranosť

🇨🇳 冷漠

🇸🇮 odmaknjenost

🇮🇸 afskiptaleysi

🇰🇿 шеттету

🇬🇪 გაუცხოება

🇦🇿 uzaqlaşma

🇲🇽 desapego

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,622, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.