What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
aloof
Example
She remained aloof from the party, preferring to observe rather than participate. [aloof: adjective]
Example
He kept himself aloof from the conversation, not wanting to get involved. [aloof: adverb]
cold
Example
Her cold demeanor made it difficult for others to approach her. [cold: adjective]
Example
He gave a cold response to her question, making her feel unwelcome. [cold: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cold is a more commonly used word than aloof in everyday language. Cold is versatile and can be used to describe a wide range of situations and contexts, while aloof is less common and typically used to describe a person's behavior or attitude.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between aloof and cold?
Both aloof and cold are formal words that are typically used in more serious or professional contexts. However, cold can also be used in informal situations, while aloof is less versatile and more commonly used in formal writing or speech.