gruff
Translation
abrupt, surly, hoarse
Examples
He has a gruff voice but a kind heart.
He has a gruff voice but a kind heart.
She gave a gruff reply and walked away.
She gave a gruff reply and walked away.
Grammar Patterns
((gruff)) + noun (e.g., voice, manner, reply) He has a gruff voice.
((sb.)) is ((gruff)) to describe a person's unfriendly manner He is often gruff with new people.
Similar Words
Synonyms: surly, brusque, hoarse; Antonyms: gentle, friendly, smooth
Etymology
Probably from Dutch or Low German 'grof', meaning 'coarse, rude'.
Memory Tips
Sounds like a dog's 'grrr-ruff' bark, which can be rough and unfriendly.