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Elusive vs Aloof - What's the difference?

elusive | aloof |

As adjectives the difference between elusive and aloof

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

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.

elusive

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Evading capture, comprehension or remembrance.
    • The elusive criminal was arrested
  • * {{quote-book
    • , year=1910 , author=Jack London , title=Lost Face , chapter=6 citation , passage=Charley chased the elusive idea through all the nooks and crannies of his drowning consciousness.}}
  • Rarely seen.
  • *
  • Difficult to describe.
    • A precise definition of diarrhea is elusive (Robbin's pathology, 8th ed)

    Related terms

    * (l)

    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)