First Known Use: 1691
Dictionary
1gruff
adjective \ˈgrəf\
: rough or very serious in manner or speech
of a voice : low and rough
Full Definition of GRUFF
1
: rough, brusque, or stern in manner, speech, or aspect <a gruff reply>
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Origin of GRUFF
Dutch grof; akin to Old High German grob coarse, hruf scurf — more at dandruff
Related to GRUFF
Synonym Discussion of GRUFF
bluff, blunt, brusque, curt, crusty, gruff mean abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner. bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality <a bluff manner>. blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings <a blunt appraisal>. brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness <a brusque response>. curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness <a curt command>. crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness <a crusty exterior>. gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness <puts on a gruff pose>.
2gruff
verb
Definition of GRUFF
transitive verb
: to utter in a gruff voice or manner
First Known Use of GRUFF
1706
GRUFFNESS Defined for Kids
gruff
adjective \ˈgrəf\
gruff·ergruff·est
Definition of GRUFF for Kids
: rough in speech or manner <a gruff reply>
— gruff·ly adverb
— gruff·ness noun
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