gruffly

[gruhf-lee]

adverb

1. in a low, harsh, gravelly voice; hoarsely.

   The album is nothing but monster hit after monster hit, all played energetically and sung gruffly by these aging rockers.

2. in a rough, brusque, or surly manner.

   “Hey, now, cut that out!” he said gruffly, looking at us with a stern frown.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gruffly¹

First recorded in 1680–90; gruff ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

“I was just waiting until the missus was done with the ladder,” he explained gruffly.

Read more on Literature

It is March 31, 1943, eight months before Hart’s death at age 48 from pneumonia, and Hart has just gruffly left the Broadway premiere of “Oklahoma!”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He did so gruffly, Ms. Pollini said, saying it was “a misunderstanding.”

Read more on New York Times

"You should stop poking around in other people's stuff," he said gruffly.

Read more on Literature

The Guardian's review said Sir Michael delivers "a gruffly heart-breaking performance" in the film, while the Radio Times added he "plays his role with complete dignity".

Read more on BBC