adverb
- in a cold, unfriendly, or aloof manner
Examples
- She greeted the new neighbors standoffishly, barely making eye contact.
- The celebrity behaved standoffishly at the interview, giving short answers.
- He responded standoffishly to their invitation, making it clear he wasn’t interested.
- The manager spoke standoffishly to employees, creating tension in the office.
- She smiled standoffishly when introduced, keeping her distance from the group.
- The dog approached standoffishly, unsure whether to trust the stranger.