adj
gruff
gruhf
Gruff (adj) means Rough or brusque in manner or speech, though not necessarily unkind underneath. Example: “The old caretaker had a gruff manner but a kind heart.”
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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- gruffs
- Past tense
- gruffed
- Comparative
- gruffer
- Superlative
- gruffest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old caretaker had a _____ manner but a kind heart.
Etymology
Borrowed in the 16th century from Dutch grof, meaning coarse or rough.
Class of 1500
gruff joined the language around 1500.
See the full Class of 1500 →
Related words
Rhymes for gruff
See all rhymes for gruff →Frequently asked questions
What does “gruff” mean?
The word “gruff” means rough or brusque in manner or speech, though not necessarily unkind underneath. In plain terms, blunt and rough-mannered, or having a rough, low voice.
How do you pronounce “gruff”?
“Gruff” is pronounced gruhf (/ɡɹʌf/ in IPA).
How do you use “gruff” in a sentence?
Here is “gruff” used in a sentence: “The old caretaker had a gruff manner but a kind heart.”
What part of speech is “gruff”?
“Gruff” is an adjective.
Where does the word “gruff” come from?
The word “gruff” dates back to around 1500 and comes from Dutch. Borrowed in the 16th century from Dutch grof, meaning coarse or rough.
How many meanings does “gruff” have?
“Gruff” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: rough or brusque in manner or speech, though not necessarily unkind underneath.
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