standoffishness :

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standoffishness


  • n  a disposition to be distant and unsympathetic in manner

  • This record of unilateral action and standoffishness has borne bitter fruit in terms of America's reputation overseas.
  • That standoffishness (or objectivity) intermittently marks The Dreamers, which is adapted by Gilbert Adair from his novel The Holy Innocents.
  • He has been solicitous of us participating; I haven't seen any standoffishness.
Quotes

  • Judith Jamison in New York Times
    There's no standoffishness,said Judith Jamison, the artistic director of the Alvin Ailey troupe, who was invited to the president's box at the Kennedy Center to meet Mrs. Robinson. "She's very open."

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