Gruff: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.