What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Aloof vs Austere - What's the difference?

aloof | austere | Related terms |

Aloof is a related term of austere.


As adjectives the difference between aloof and austere

is that aloof is reserved and remote; either physically or emotionally distant; standoffish while austere is austere.

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 (obsolete) 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)

    austere

    English

    Adjective

    (en-adj)
  • Grim or severe in manner or appearance
    • The headmistress was an austere old woman.
  • Lacking trivial decoration; not extravagant or gaudy
    • The interior of the church was as austere as the parishioners were dour.

    Synonyms

    * (grim or severe) stern, strict, forbidding * (lacking trivial decoration) simple, plain, unadorned, unembellished

    Antonyms

    * (not lacking trivial decoration) overwrought, flamboyant, extravagant, gaudy, flashy

    Derived terms

    * austerity * austerely