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Intermediate Dictionary        

gruff

 
 
pronunciation:
gruhf
part of speech: adjective
definition 1: low and harsh.
The substitute teacher's gruff voice frightened the children.
synonyms:
harsh, hoarse, husky, ragged
antonyms:
mellow
similar words:
rough
definition 2: rough and not polite.
The gruff ticket agent took our money and slammed the window shut.
synonyms:
abrupt, curt
antonyms:
courteous, friendly
similar words:
grouchy, grumpy, harsh, rough, rude, short, sullen
derivations: gruffish (adj.), gruffly (adv.), gruffness (n.)