adj
gruff
gruhf
adj
1
Rough or brusque in manner or speech, though not necessarily unkind underneath.
"The old caretaker had a gruff manner but a kind heart."
2
Low-pitched and hoarse in voice.
"He answered the phone in a gruff, sleepy voice."
How to Use Gruff
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBlunt and rough-mannered, or having a rough, low voice.
Common pairings
a gruff voice
gruff exterior
Word Forms
gruffer comparative, gruffed past tense, gruffs singular, gruffest superlative
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Etymology
Borrowed in the 16th century from Dutch grof, meaning coarse or rough.