Meaning & Definition of word "Gruff"

Gruff

/ɡrʌf/

1. A gruff manner or voice.
- Example: Her gruff was off-putting at first, but I soon realized she was quite kind.

1. Unfriendly or unsociable in demeanor.
- Example: Despite his gruff appearance, he had a heart of gold.
2. Rough or harsh in texture.
- Example: The gruff fabric of the jacket was not meant for sensitive skin.
3. Deep and rough in sound or voice; brusque or stern in manner.
- Example: His gruff voice made it clear that he was not in the mood for small talk.

Middle English, possibly from the word 'gruf', meaning rough.

gruff exterior, soft interior:

A phrase describing someone who appears tough but is actually kind-hearted.

gruff growl:

A low, rough sound made when speaking or expressing displeasure.

brusque:

Abrupt or offhand in speech or manner.

stern:

Serious and unrelenting, especially in the assertion of authority and exercising of discipline.

blunt:

Saying what one thinks without concern for the feelings of others.

Meaning: To be straightforward or frank.

Example Sentence: He was gruff about his feelings but meant well.

Meaning: To deal with something in a no-nonsense manner.

Example Sentence: She took a gruff approach to getting the project done.