gruff

[ gruhf ]

/ grʌf /

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See synonyms for: gruff / gruffness on Thesaurus.com

Definition of gruff

adjective, gruff·er, gruff·est.

low and harsh; hoarse: a gruff voice.

rough, brusque, or surly: a gruff manner.

OTHER WORDS FOR gruff

2 curt.

See synonyms for gruff on Thesaurus.com

OPPOSITES FOR gruff

2 courteous.

See antonyms for gruff on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

SHALL WE PLAY A "SHALL" VS. "SHOULD" CHALLENGE?

Should you take this quiz on “shall” versus “should”? It should prove to be a quick challenge!

Question 1 of 6

Which form is used to state an obligation or duty someone has?

shall

should

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of gruff

1525–35; <Middle Dutch grof coarse; cognate with German grob

OTHER WORDS FROM gruff

gruffish, adjectivegruffly, adverbgruffness, nounun·gruff, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use gruff in a sentence

Bernie Sanders, known for his gruff grandpa-like appeal, was spotted wearing mittens made by a Vermont schoolteacher, which were gifted to him two years ago.
Inauguration fashion was bold, American, and even a little bit fun|Terry Nguyen|January 20, 2021|Vox
"I will," gruffly replied the man, with a look which showed that he was sorry to be forced to choose the second alternative.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 60, No. 372, October 1846|Various
He looked like one who had found the world a pleasant place, and Jim gruffly described him as a "jolly old bloke."
The Chequers|James Runciman
"Thank you," said the man gruffly, and turned away so abruptly that Betty felt as if some one had struck her.
The Outdoor Girls in the Saddle|Laura Lee Hope

"Then learn that you must salute all the royal carriages, whoever may be in them," said the halberdier gruffly.
Balsamo, The Magician|Alexander Dumas
He always used to be so kind-hearted, but to-day he gruffly told me: 'Apply to M. le marquis.
The Seven Cardinal Sins: Envy and Indolence|Eugne Sue

British Dictionary definitions for gruff

gruff

/ (ɡrʌf) /

adjective

rough or surly in manner, speech, etca gruff reply

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

Derived forms of gruff

gruffish, adjectivegruffly, adverbgruffness, noun

Word Origin for gruff

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

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

gruff

Definition of gruff

OTHER WORDS FOR gruff

OPPOSITES FOR gruff

Origin of gruff

OTHER WORDS FROM gruff

Words related to gruff

How to use gruff in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for gruff

Derived forms of gruff

Word Origin for gruff