Gruff (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Deep and harsh sounding as if from shouting or illness or emotion; "gruff voices"; "the dog's gruff barking"; "hoarse cries"; "makes all the instruments sound powerful but husky"- Virgil Thomson.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
Brusque and surly and forbidding; "crusty remarks"; "a crusty old man"; "his curmudgeonly temper"; "gruff manner"; "a gruff reply".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- He was a gruff old sailor who intimidated everyone on the ship with his rough demeanor.
- The gruff tone in her voice suggested she was not to be trifled with.
- His gruff manner made it difficult for new students to get close to him.
- The boss's gruff reply to the employee's request only served to further demoralize the team.
- A lifetime of hard work and hardship had left the old farmer with a gruff and weathered exterior that hid a kind heart.