The word "aloof" describes a person who is emotionally distant or detached from others. Someone who is aloof tends to stand apart from social interactions, sometimes appearing unfriendly or uninterested. This can be intentional, as they may prefer to maintain their privacy or independence, or it could be unintentional, as they may be shy or unsure of how to engage.
The word "aloof" originates from the Middle English word "a loof," which means "a forewind" or "off the wind." The term was adopted to describe a state of being at a distance, emphasizing the aspect of being apart from others.