Advertisement
Advertisement
View synonyms forgruff
gruff
/ ɡrʌf /
adjective
- rough or surly in manner, speech, etc
a gruff reply
- (of a voice, bark, etc) low and throaty
Discover More
Derived Forms
- ˈgruffness,noun
- ˈgruffly,adverb
- ˈgruffish,adjective
Discover More
Other Words From
- gruff·ishadjective
- gruff·lyadverb
- gruff·nessnoun
- un·gruffadjective
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin ofgruff1
First recorded in 1525–35; fromMiddle Dutchgrof“coarse”; cognate withGermangrob
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin ofgruff1
C16: originally Scottish, from Dutchgrof,of Germanic origin; compare Old High Germangirob;related to Old Englishhrēof,Lithuaniankraupùs
Discover More
Example Sentences
Masking conflicting priorities with a gruff exterior, Tebet ultimately decides whether to throw the “live” switch at 11:30 or cut to a Johnny Carson rerun.
"Cyril", as he is known to some, is said to be a portly man with a very gruff voice.
FromBBC
“The Thing might be tough and gruff but ultimately he’s a softy when it comes to family and holidays and things he loves.”
It’s no surprise that behind the gruff exterior of Red Foreman or the margarita-drinking Kitty is a couple who value frugality.
FromSalon
Winslet is tremendous as always, embodying Lee’s gruff, no-nonsense persona, a hardened exterior underneath which a great wound still bleeds.
Advertisement
Browse