gruff
(grŭf)
[Dutch grof, from Middle Dutch, or Middle Low German.]
adjective: gruff·er, gruff·est.
- Brusque or stern in manner or appearance: a gruff reply.
- Hoarse; harsh: a gruff voice.
derivatives
- gruff́ly
- adverb
- gruff́ness
- noun
synonyms:
gruff, brusque, blunt, bluff2curt, crusty These adjectives mean abrupt and sometimes discourteous in manner or speech. Gruff implies roughness or surliness but does not necessarily suggest rudeness: a gruff reply. Brusque emphasizes rude abruptness: a brusque manner. Blunt stresses utter frankness and usually a disconcerting directness: a blunt refusal. Bluff refers to unpolished, unceremonious manner but usually implies hearty good nature: a bluff and courageous sailor. Curt denotes usually rude briefness and abruptness of speech: a curt letter of rejection. Crusty suggests a rough and forbidding manner that sometimes conceals benevolence of spirit: a crusty old gentlemen who feeds stray cats.
