standoff
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈstændɔf/
KK: /ˈstændɔf/
adjective
Definition
Not friendly or sociable; keeping a distance from others.
Example
His standoffish behavior made it hard for him to make friends.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more standoffish
Superlative: most standoffish
Conversation
Have you noticed how standoff my cat has been lately?
Yeah, she seems to keep her distance from everyone.
I wonder if she's just feeling a bit shy or if something else is bothering her.
Maybe giving her some space will help; she can be a little standoff sometimes.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
aloof
distant
detached
Antonyms
friendly
approachable
sociable
noun
Definition
A situation where two opposing sides are unable to reach an agreement or move forward, often resulting in a stalemate or tie.
Example
The negotiations ended in a standoff, with neither side willing to compromise.
Conversation
Did you hear about the standoff between the two teams last night?
Yeah, it was intense! I thought someone would finally score.
It ended in a tie, which was kind of disappointing.
Root Explanation
Standoff is formed from "stand" (from Old English "standan", meaning to remain in a specified position) and "off" (meaning away or apart). The word describes a situation where parties remain in a position of separation or opposition, often in a conflict or confrontation.
Memory Tip
Think of people 'remaining' ('stand') 'apart' ('off') from each other, which helps you remember that a standoff is a situation where they are in opposition.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.