You overheard someone say they thought Mr. Johnson was aloof and you want to understand what they meant in order to formulate your own opinion on the subject. Aloof is a word used as both an adverb and as an adjective. As an adverb it means: At a distance, especially in feeling or interest, apart. As an adjective it means: Reserved or reticent, indifferent, disinterested. Aloof is synonymous with cool, detached, distant, standoffish, snobbish, haughty & disdainful while being antonymous with near, warm, open, gregarious and outgoing.
According to the Online Etymology Dictionary the source of the word aloof is: 1530s, from a- (1) + M.E. Loof "weather gage,” also "windward direction,” probably from Du. Loef (M.Du. Lof) "the weather side of a ship.” Originally a nautical order to keep the ship's head to the wind, thus to stay clear of a lee-shore or some other quarter, hence the fig. Sense of "at a distance, apart" (1580s).
The word Aloof is seldom used in mainstream writings in the society of the day but was a staple in previous days such as in the time of Shakespeare. Literature is the playground of words and writings of the past and those portraying the past will flow clearly in their meanings with words seldom heard or used in conversation of internet writings.
As words lose popularity, it is a comfort to know they never leave us; they just become more powerful tools in verbal or written sparing matches. A command of the English language and adaptability to meanings past and present allow for a speakers message to be heard and understood regardless of their culture or regional dialects. Regardless of the age of a word and the limits of its uses in today’s vernacular, knowledge is powerful and it is extremely light weight and travels well.
According to the Online Etymology Dictionary the source of the word aloof is: 1530s, from a- (1) + M.E. Loof "weather gage,” also "windward direction,” probably from Du. Loef (M.Du. Lof) "the weather side of a ship.” Originally a nautical order to keep the ship's head to the wind, thus to stay clear of a lee-shore or some other quarter, hence the fig. Sense of "at a distance, apart" (1580s).
The word Aloof is seldom used in mainstream writings in the society of the day but was a staple in previous days such as in the time of Shakespeare. Literature is the playground of words and writings of the past and those portraying the past will flow clearly in their meanings with words seldom heard or used in conversation of internet writings.
As words lose popularity, it is a comfort to know they never leave us; they just become more powerful tools in verbal or written sparing matches. A command of the English language and adaptability to meanings past and present allow for a speakers message to be heard and understood regardless of their culture or regional dialects. Regardless of the age of a word and the limits of its uses in today’s vernacular, knowledge is powerful and it is extremely light weight and travels well.
