gruff
low and harsh; hoarse: a gruff voice.
rough, brusque, or surly: a gruff manner.
Origin of gruff
1Other words for gruff
Opposites for gruff
Other words from gruff
- gruff·ish, adjective
- gruff·ly, adverb
- gruff·ness, noun
- un·gruff, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use gruff in a sentence
She was painfully afraid that he had already grown weary of regular employment, and the fear made her voice gruffer than usual.
Ester Ried Yet Speaking | Isabella AldenSo he went back to his chair, his pipe, and his tumbler, and was gruffer and more taciturn than ever for the rest of the evening.
Doctor Grimshawe's Secret | Nathaniel HawthorneHer voice was gruffer, her manner more downright, and she was inclined to patronise the more foolish virgin.
Howards End | E. M. ForsterThe marrow of Poulailler's back became awfully cold—but he grew gruffer than ever, in spite of his back.
My Miscellanies, Vol. 2 (of 2) | Wilkie Collins"But it is against all the rules of diplomacy," said a gruffer voice in the same language.
The Book of All-Power | Edgar Wallace
British Dictionary definitions for gruff
/ (ɡrʌf) /
rough or surly in manner, speech, etc: a gruff reply
(of a voice, bark, etc) low and throaty
Origin of gruff
1Derived forms of gruff
- gruffish, adjective
- gruffly, adverb
- gruffness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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