different between aloof vs snobbish

English

Etymology

From Middle English loof (“weather gage, windward direction”), probably from Middle Dutch (Compare Dutch loef (“the weather side of a ship”)), originally a nautical order to keep the ship's head to the wind, thus to stay clear of a lee-shore or some other quarter, hence the figurative sense of "at a distance, apart".

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /??lu?f/
• Rhymes: -u?f

Adverb

aloof (comparative more aloof, superlative most aloof)

1. At or from a distance, but within view, or at a small distance; apart; away.
2. Without sympathy; unfavorably.

Translations

Adjective

aloof (comparative more aloof, superlative most aloof)

1. Reserved and remote; either physically or emotionally distant; standoffish.

Derived terms

• aloofly
• aloofness

Translations

Preposition

aloof

1. (obsolete) Away from; clear of.

See also

• See also Thesaurus:arrogant

References

Anagrams

• loofa

English

Etymology

snob +? -ish

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?sn?b??/

Adjective

snobbish (comparative more snobbish, superlative most snobbish)

1. Having the property of being a snob; arrogant and pretentious; smugly superior or dismissive of perceived inferiors.
   • c.1948, George Orwell, Such, Such Were the Joys

     St Cyprian's was an expensive and snobbish school which was in process of becoming more snobbish, and, I imagine, more expensive.

Synonyms

• cliquish

Translations