Standoffish

Pronunciation: /ˈstændˌɔfɪʃ/

Definitions of standoffish

adjective reluctant to associate with others in a social or friendly manner

Example Sentences

A1 She is standoffish and doesn't talk much to strangers.

A2 The new student seemed standoffish at first, but later opened up.

B1 His standoffish attitude made it difficult for him to make friends in the new city.

B2 Despite appearing standoffish, she is actually quite friendly once you get to know her.

C1 The CEO's standoffish demeanor often intimidated employees during meetings.

C2 The artist's standoffish nature added an air of mystery to his public persona.

Examples of standoffish in a Sentence

formal The new employee came across as standoffish during the team meeting.

informal She can be a bit standoffish at first, but she warms up once you get to know her.

slang I thought he was being standoffish, but he was just shy.

figurative The standoffish behavior between the two countries was finally resolved through diplomatic negotiations.

Grammatical Forms of standoffish

• past tense: stoodoffish
• plural: standoffishes
• comparative: more standoffish
• superlative: most standoffish
• present tense: standoffish
• future tense: will be standoffish
• perfect tense: have been standoffish
• continuous tense: is being standoffish
• singular: standoffish
• positive degree: standoffish
• infinitive: to be standoffish
• gerund: standingoffish
• participle: stoodoffish

Origin and Evolution of standoffish

First Known Use: 1828 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The word 'standoffish' is believed to have originated from the combination of 'stand off' and the suffix '-ish'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe someone who maintains a reserved or aloof demeanor, the word 'standoffish' has evolved to also imply a sense of being distant or unapproachable.