aloofness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "aloofness" is correct and can be used in written English.
Generally, aloofness is used to describe someone who is distant, unresponsive, and unfriendly. For example, "He was so aloof at the party; he hardly even talked to anyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As one Australian bureaucrat put it, "I love Canberra, because it's a place designed for middle-aged civil servants with children".It is precisely this bureaucratic aloofness which prevents artificial capitals from seizing the public imagination and altering the course of a country's history, as their designers invariably intend.

The Economist

Now, as Andersen tries to pull off a merger between its non-American offices and KPMG, the aloofness has been replaced by a feeling of relief.

The Economist

In his letter he did not admit to any wrongdoing; he merely said he was sorry that some people were confused by Apple's aloofness.

The Economist

When S1m0ne's cool beauty and mysterious aloofness drive audiences wild, she quickly eclipses her unhappy creator.

The Economist

Lebanon managed, just, to maintain a pretence of aloofness from that imbroglio, despite a bitter polarisation among the Lebanese between supporters and foes of the beleaguered regime of Syria's Bashar Assad.

The Economist

In part this reflects the weaknesses that lie alongside the charismatic skills paraded by Mr Obama in Denver this week: his inexperience, especially in foreign affairs, at a time when the world looks more and more complex and troubling, and a certain cerebral aloofness that seems to make it hard for him to connect with Middle America.

The Economist

According to Sir Patrick Leigh Fermor, an English writer who lives in Greece, the eastern Mary "has the austere aloofness of an oriental empress…calm, unreal, hieratic", while in the medieval west her statues seem "almost to woo her devotees…at worst there is a hint of an ogle".Amateur polymaths can allow themselves such sweeping observations.

The Economist

Last summer, several managers were sacked for talking to potential merger partners.That aloofness might change: Popular, whose business is purely in retail banking, has experienced even more pressures on its margins than other banks, and its share price has suffered accordingly.

The Economist

One result is that Iran's conservative clerics have signally failed to export their brand of revolution beyond a few nominal allies, such as Hizbullah.Top theologians, even inside Iran, prefer aloofness from worldly affairs to the late Ayatollah Khomeini's doctrine of placing worldly power in the hands of a single senior cleric.

The Economist

Tenants can monitor Paharpur's air quality on the company's website.Most of India's "new economy" companies do not go so far as to manufacture their own air, but they do see value in aloofness.

The Economist

"I'm leading a normal, unhealthy life," he confessed to one newspaper recently, perhaps calculating that Liberal Democrats could do with some undemanding bonhomie after the aloofness and intensity of the Ashdown years.And yet to Bagehot's mind, the question of whether Mr Kennedy has or can acquire the habit of industry is beside the point.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's behavior, use "aloofness" to convey a sense of emotional distance and detachment, often implying a deliberate choice to remain separate from others. It suggests more than just shyness; it indicates a reserved or superior attitude.

Common error

Avoid using "aloofness" when "shyness" is more appropriate. "Aloofness" implies a deliberate emotional distance, sometimes suggesting superiority, while "shyness" refers to discomfort and anxiety in social situations.

Linguistic Context

Aloofness primarily functions as a noun, denoting the state or quality of being distant, not friendly, or forthcoming; cool and distant. Ludwig AI confirms its use as a noun and the examples from Ludwig illustrate how it describes a behavioral trait or characteristic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Aloofness is a noun used to describe the state of being distant, reserved, and unfriendly. Ludwig AI indicates the term is grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. Related terms include "detachment", "remoteness", and "standoffishness", each carrying slightly different nuances. When writing, it's essential to differentiate "aloofness" from shyness, as the former implies a deliberate emotional distance, sometimes associated with superiority. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "aloofness" to convey precise meanings in their writing. Finally, do not confuse the term with shyness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emotional distance

Highlights the lack of emotional connection, a key aspect of "aloofness".

standoffishness

Directly implies a reluctance to engage or be friendly, very similar to "aloofness" in connotation.

detachment

Emphasizes a separation or lack of involvement, differing from "aloofness" which suggests a more active distancing.

distance

Focuses on the physical or emotional space maintained, where "aloofness" is more about behavior.

social withdrawal

Describes the act of removing oneself from social interaction, a behavior related to "aloofness".

remoteness

Suggests a lack of connection or accessibility, while "aloofness" highlights a more deliberate separation.

unresponsiveness

Emphasizes a lack of reaction or engagement, which can be a manifestation of "aloofness".

unapproachability

Highlights the difficulty in connecting with someone, a consequence of "aloofness".

coldness

Implies a lack of warmth or emotion, which can be a component of "aloofness".

indifference

Focuses on a lack of interest or concern, whereas "aloofness" is a more active withdrawal.

FAQs

How do you use "aloofness" in a sentence?

You can use "aloofness" to describe someone's distant and reserved behavior. For instance, "Her "aloofness" made it difficult for others to approach her." It can also describe a general quality or atmosphere: "The company's "aloofness" from community affairs damaged its reputation."

What's the difference between "aloofness" and "detachment"?

"Aloofness" implies a deliberate emotional distance, sometimes with a sense of superiority, while "detachment" suggests a more general separation or lack of involvement without necessarily implying a negative attitude.

What are some synonyms for "aloofness"?

Synonyms for "aloofness" include "distance", "remoteness", "standoffishness", and "unapproachability". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to describe someone as showing "aloofness"?

It's appropriate when someone displays a clear emotional distance, seeming reserved, detached, and perhaps even superior. The behavior goes beyond mere shyness and suggests a conscious choice to remain separate from others.