gruff

Everyday

1. (of a voice) Low, deep and rough. tree →
2. (of a person) Rather unfriendly or impatient in the way they speak, though maybe kind underneath. tree →

In the lessons

In the fairy tale «The Three Billy Goats Gruff», the goats outwit the troll under the bridge. In The Wind in the Willows, Badger is gruff: he speaks shortly and hates Society, but he is kind and wise and looks after Mole and Ratty in the snow. In stories, gruff tells the reader how someone sounds.

Examples

• «Who's there?» said Badger in a gruff voice. tree →
• The Three Billy Goats Gruff crossed the bridge. tree →
• Grandpa sounds gruff, but he's really very kind. tree →
• The guard answered gruffly. tree →
• His voice was gruff from his cold. tree →
• «Come in, then,» said the gruff old man. tree →
• “Ahas!” said a gruff voice across the water. tree →

Note

Comparisons gruffer, gruffest. Similar: rough, hoarse (sore throat), brusque (formal), grumpy.