He who stands aloof runs the risk of believing himself better than others and misusing his critique of society as an ideology for his private interest.

By nominating Chuck Hagel to be his Defense secretary President Obama is putting forward an aloof contrarian who doesn't suffer fools - a striving politician who considers himself above politics.

But curb thou the high spirit in thy breast for gentle ways are best and keep aloof from sharp contentions.

When I was working on Eye of the Beholder I played a character who is so aloof that my whole lifestyle became very aloof. If someone knocked on my door there was a part of me that went into a rage because I wanted to be isolated and alone.