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gruffrough or stern in manner, speech, or aspect

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: rough or stern in manner, speech, or aspect

Pronunciation (IPA): /ɡrʌf/

Korean meaning: (목소리나 태도가) 거칠고 무뚝뚝한

Korean pronunciation: **그**러프

Example Sentences

  • Despite his gruff appearance, the security guard was actually very kind.
  • My grandfather's gruff 'Good morning!' could wake up the entire neighborhood.
  • The gruff coach turned out to have a heart of gold.

gruff

ADJECTIVE

//ɡrʌf//

rough or stern in manner, speech, or aspect

gruff concept
💡 Concept

A gruff foreman barks orders at nervous construction workers

gruff rhyme
🎵 Rhyme

Though gruff and tough, his love is enough

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ɡrʌf/
🇬🇧 UK/ɡrʌf/

🌳Etymology

Rootgruff

Origin

From Dutch 'grof' meaning rough or coarse, influenced by similar words in Low German and Middle Dutch. The word entered English in the 16th century through trade and linguistic contact with Dutch speakers.

🎵Rhyme

roughtoughstuffenough
rough
tough
stuff
enough

🔗Collocations

gruff voice
gruff manner
gruff reply
gruff exterior
sound gruff
gruff old man

📝Examples

Despite his gruff appearance, the security guard was actually very kind.

😄 Fun example

My grandfather's gruff 'Good morning!' could wake up the entire neighborhood.

The gruff coach turned out to have a heart of gold.

😄 Fun example

She tried to sound gruff, but her giggle gave her away.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

roughharshsternbrusquecurt

Antonyms

gentlesoftsmooth

Related

grumpysurlybluntabrupt

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