Joe Klein, Time, 21 July 2003 Most American journalists who "do" politics cannot resist getting to know the Players. In the case of aloof the a- is a negative prefix, but loof did not mean “close.” This word is a variant of luff, which referred to the side of a ship, and the earliest sense of aloof was “to windward.” Soon after the word entered English it began to be used to mean “at a distance,” and soon after that took on the meaning of “physically or emotionally removed.”Īdjective In truth, he isn't so much aloof as he is courtly in a formal, afternoon-tea sort of way. Gruntle had an earlier sense, which was “grumble,” and the dis- in disgruntle was an intensifying prefix rather than a negative one. In the case of gruntle, the word does indeed mean “to put in a good humor,” but only because people began using it in this fashion in the early 20th century as a jocular back-formation from disgruntle. Every so often, however, we come across specimens which appear somewhat odd if we take away the prefix if disgruntled means “discontented” then does gruntle mean “to make content”? And if aloof means “emotionally or physically distant” then must loof mean “emotionally or physically close”? Disinclined is "the state or condition of not being inclined to do something," unaware means "not being aware," and amoral refers to not being moral. The English language has a large number of words that contain a negative prefix, and for the most part these will leave us with an easy way to understand these words if we take their prefixes away. Judged by a panel of disinterested observers Observed family gatherings with detached amusement disinterested implies a circumstantial freedom from concern for personal or especially financial advantage that enables one to judge or advise without bias. Incurious about the world aloof suggests a cool reserve arising from a sense of superiority or disdain for inferiors or from shyness.Īloof from his coworkers detached implies an objective attitude achieved through absence of prejudice or selfishness. Unconcerned about the homeless incurious implies an inability to take a normal interest due to dullness of mind or to self-centeredness. Indifferent to the dictates of fashion unconcerned suggests a lack of sensitivity or regard for others' needs or troubles. indifferent implies neutrality of attitude from lack of inclination, preference, or prejudice. Indifferent, unconcerned, incurious, aloof, detached, disinterested mean not showing or feeling interest.
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