gruff

[gruhf]

adjective

gruffer, gruffest 

1. low and harsh; hoarse.

   a gruff voice.

2. rough, brusque, or surly.

   a gruff manner.

   Synonyms: curt
   Antonyms: courteous

gruff

/ ɡrʌf /

adjective

1. rough or surly in manner, speech, etc

   a gruff reply

2. (of a voice, bark, etc) low and throaty

Other Word Forms

• gruffness noun
• gruffly adverb
• gruffish adjective
• ungruff adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gruff¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Middle Dutch grof “coarse”; cognate with German grob

Word History and Origins

Origin of gruff¹

C16: originally Scottish, from Dutch grof, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German girob; related to Old English hrēof, Lithuanian kraupùs

Example Sentences

In a new role as JV defensive coordinator, he deployed his gruff but humor-infused brand of coaching while welcoming a group of incoming ninth-graders to the program.

From Los Angeles Times

A supporting Emmy for his performance as the gruff yet insightful therapist Paul Rhoades on Apple TV+’s comedy “Shrinking” would be a good start.

From Los Angeles Times

The many women who have fallen for the alluring words of a gruff European probably understand the appeal of a man who says what a woman needs to hear.

From Salon

Their gruff cheers mismatched the high-pitched hum of the buggies.

From Los Angeles Times

Neither is he the flinty survivor or gruff hero playing God that other medical dramas love to hold up.

From Salon

Related Words

• blunt 
• boisterous 
• brusque 
• crusty 
• dour 
• grumpy 
• nasty 
• offhand 
• surly