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

“The Thing might be tough and gruff but ultimately he’s a softy when it comes to family and holidays and things he loves.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

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

I walked until I heard a gruff shout.

From Literature

Related Words

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