What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
standoffish
Example
She was very standoffish at the party and didn't talk to anyone. [standoffish: adjective]
Example
He always acts standoffish around new people. [standoffish: adverb]
distant
Example
She seemed distant and uninterested in what I was saying. [distant: adjective]
Example
He has always been distant with his family. [distant: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Distant is more commonly used than standoffish in everyday language. Distant is a more versatile word that can be used to describe physical or emotional distance, while standoffish is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between standoffish and distant?
Both standoffish and distant are relatively formal words that are not commonly used in casual conversation. However, standoffish may be perceived as more negative or confrontational than distant, making it slightly less formal in some contexts.
