gruff — rough or stern in manner, speech, or aspect
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: rough or stern in manner, speech, or aspect
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɡrʌf/
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
The gruff old sailor barked orders at the trembling new deckhand.
Though gruff and tough, his love is enough
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
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.
Breakdown
gruff is a root word with no productive morphemes in English; it derives from Dutch 'grof' (rough) + English adoption and phonetic adaptation to create the adjective 'gruff'
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“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.”
“She tried to sound gruff, but her giggle gave her away.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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