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Aloof vs Nonchalant - What's the difference?

aloof | nonchalant | Related terms |

As adjectives the difference between aloof and nonchalant

is that aloof is reserved and remote; either physically or emotionally distant; standoffish while nonchalant is casually calm and relaxed.

As an adverb aloof

is at or from a distance, but within view, or at a small distance; apart; away.

As a preposition aloof

is away from; clear of.

aloof

English

Adverb

(en adverb)
  • At or from a distance, but within view, or at a small distance; apart; away.
  • *
  • *{{quote-book, year=1922, author=(Ben Travers), title=(A Cuckoo in the Nest)
    • , chapter=2 citation , passage=Mother
  • Without sympathy; unfavorably.
  • *

    • Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Reserved and remote; either physically or emotionally distant; standoffish.

    • See also

    * See also

    Preposition

    (English prepositions)
  • (obsolete) away from; clear of
  • * Milton
    • Rivetus would fain work himself aloof these rocks and quicksands.
    (Webster 1913)

    nonchalant

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Casually calm and relaxed.
    • We handled the whole frenetic situation with a nonchalant attitude.
  • Indifferent; unconcerned; behaving as if detached.
    • He is far too nonchalant about such a serious matter.

    Synonyms

    * (casually calm) carefree, cool, mellow, easygoing * (indifferent) , unconcerned * See also