gruff

[ gruhf ]

adjective

, gruff·er, gruff·est.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈgruffness, noun
• ˈgruffly, adverb
• ˈgruffish, adjective

Other Words From

• gruff·ish adjective
• gruff·ly adverb
• gruff·ness noun
• un·gruff 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

It’s no surprise that behind the gruff exterior of Red Foreman or the margarita-drinking Kitty is a couple who value frugality.

From Salon

Unfortunately, Cullum softens the character’s gruff charm.

From Los Angeles Times

The Newport artist fought off competition from rockers Skindred and singer Gruff Rhys, among others, to bag the £10,000 award.

From BBC

Winslet is tremendous as always, embodying Lee’s gruff, no-nonsense persona, a hardened exterior underneath which a great wound still bleeds.

From Los Angeles Times

She bustled to and fro, greeting regulars with gruff warmth.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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