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Definition of gruff

gruff

/ɡrʌf/
gruff
Adverb:gruffly
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gruff Lexical Profile

gruff Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Abrupt, brusque, or stern in manner or speech, often masking a kinder or more benevolent nature beneath an unpolished exterior.

Example

"Despite the shopkeeper's gruff demeanor, he always slipped an extra piece of candy into the children's bags."

2

Low, rough, and harsh in pitch or sound (especially of a person's voice).

Example

"The retired captain answered our questions in a deep, gruff voice weathered by decades at sea."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for gruff

• Nearby Words

gruesome
gruesomely
gruesomeness
gruff
gruffly
gruffness
grumble

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 16th century from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German grof ('coarse, rough, rude'), which originally described coarse-grained materials like flour or rough cloth before shifting to describe human voices and temperaments.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gruff. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gruff
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