A fool returned, distant (5)
I believe the answer is:
aloof
'distant' is the definition.
('aloof' can be a synonym of 'distant')
'a fool returned' is the wordplay.
'returned' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'fool' back-to-front is 'loof'.
'a'+'loof'='ALOOF'
(Other definitions for aloof that I've seen before include "A fool being cool and remote" , "Showing detached attitude" , "Distant or stuck-up" , "reserved" , "Unfriendly or distant like a fool" .)