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Gruff Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gruff

[É¡rÊŒf ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

voice tone

rough, harsh, or stern in manner or appearance

Synonyms

harsh, rough, stern.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gruff

This word describes someone's voice or manner that is rough, grumpy, or blunt. It's often used for people who come off as rude or brusque but might actually be kind-hearted deep down.

  • His gruff voice made him sound more intimidating than he actually was.
  • She greeted us with a gruff 'hello' but later warmed up.
harsh

Use this word when describing something very unpleasant, severe, or strict. It can refer to actions, weather, criticism, or voice. It often has a negative connotation.

  • The teacher's harsh criticism made the student cry.
  • The harsh winter weather kept everyone indoors.
rough

This word can describe a physical texture that is not smooth, or it can refer to someone's manner that is coarse or unrefined. It can also mean difficult or turbulent times.

  • The sandpaper felt rough under my fingers.
  • He had a rough manner of speaking, but he meant well.
  • They went through a rough patch in their relationship.
stern

This word describes someone who is strict, serious, and not likely to show much emotion or leniency. It is often used for authority figures like parents, teachers, or bosses.

  • His stern look silenced the noisy classroom.
  • She gave a stern warning to the children about climbing the trees.

Examples of usage

  • His gruff voice scared the children away.
  • She gave him a gruff reply before hanging up the phone.
Context #2 | Noun

fairy tale character

a grumpy and often menacing dwarf in fairy tales

Synonyms

dwarf, gnome, goblin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gruff

Describing someone's voice or manner that is rough, low, and harsh, usually suggesting a lack of friendliness.

  • The old man replied with a gruff voice, clearly irritated by the interruption.
  • Her boss's gruff manner often intimidated the new employees.
dwarf

Used to refer to a mythical small and human-like creature often depicted in fantasy stories. It can also mean a person of unusually small stature, though using it in this context might be considered insensitive.

  • In the fantasy novel, the hero teamed up with a brave dwarf to defeat the dragon.
  • The garden was decorated with statues of dwarfs.
gnome

Refers to a small creature with a bearded appearance, typically guarding treasures underground or seen in gardens.

  • A gnome peeked from behind the mushroom in the fairy tale.
  • The garden gnome was knocked over during the storm.
goblin

Describes a mythical, often malevolent creature usually depicted as small and ugly, found commonly in folklore and fantasy literature.

  • The children were warned about the goblin who lived in the dark forest.
  • The goblins in the story loved to cause trouble for the villagers.

Examples of usage

  • The gruff demanded a toll from the travelers passing through the forest.
  • She encountered a group of gruffs guarding the entrance to the cave.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Gruff characters often appear in films and literature, showcasing tough exteriors that hide softer characteristics, such as in 'Shrek' with the character of Shrek himself.
  • In popular music, songs featuring gruff vocalists often convey deep emotions, making their sound compelling and engaging.
  • Gruff voices are often used in animations to portray comedic contrasts, like in movies where a gentle giant has a gruff voice.

Psychology

  • People may perceive gruff voices as authoritative, which can significantly impact how others respond to them in social situations.
  • Studies show that first impressions can be strongly influenced by the tone of voice, with gruffness sometimes signaling strength or confidence.
  • Interestingly, a gruff demeanor can be a defense mechanism, leading to deeper connections once the tough exterior is broken down.

Literature

  • Gruff language is often used in character descriptions to establish a rough-and-tumble personality in novels, leading to greater narrative tension.
  • Many classic literary figures, such as Ebenezer Scrooge, start as gruff characters but evolve throughout the story, symbolizing transformation.
  • Gruff dialogue can also convey humor and sarcasm, making characters more relatable and complex in their interactions.

Origin of 'gruff'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'groff', meaning 'rough', reflecting its meaning related to harshness.
  • It was first used in English around the 17th century, highlighting its longstanding place in the language.
  • Over time, the usage of the word expanded to describe not just voices but also dispositions.

The word 'gruff' has its origins in Middle English, where it meant rough or coarse. Over time, it evolved to describe a harsh or stern manner. The use of 'gruff' to describe a fairy tale character can be traced back to traditional folklore and storytelling, where gruffs were often depicted as grumpy and menacing creatures. The word continues to be used in modern language to convey a rough or stern tone.

See also: gruffly.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,806, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.