Gruffly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gruffly

[หˆษกrสŒfli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

spoken communication

In a rough or stern manner; harshly.

Synonyms

brusquely, harshly, roughly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gruffly

Used when someone speaks in a low, rough voice, often due to impatience or lack of friendliness. It can imply a sort of roughness or sternness but isnโ€™t necessarily meant to hurt.

  • He answered gruffly, showing he didnโ€™t want to talk much.
  • The old man gruffly told the children to leave his garden.
harshly

Applicable when referring to a severe, cruel, or unkind manner, causing discomfort or pain. This word carries a negative connotation.

  • She spoke harshly to him, making him feel uneasy.
  • The teacher harshly criticized the student for his mistakes.
roughly

Used when describing actions or speech that lack gentleness or subtlety, often physically uncomfortable or unrefined. It has a broad use case but generally indicates a lack of care.

  • He roughly pushed his way through the crowd.
  • She said it roughly, with no concern for my feelings.
brusquely

Appropriate when someone behaves or speaks in a quick, unfriendly, or impatient manner, often seen as rude because of abruptness.

  • She brusquely interrupted the meeting to announce her decision.
  • He brusquely handed me the keys without a word.

Examples of usage

  • He spoke gruffly to the waiter, demanding his coffee.
  • She answered gruffly, clearly annoyed by the question.
Context #2 | Adverb

behavior

In a blunt or abrupt manner; curtly.

Synonyms

abruptly, bluntly, curtly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gruffly

Used when someone speaks in a rough, low-pitched, and unfriendly manner. It often implies impatience or irritation.

  • He gruffly ordered everyone to leave the room
  • The old man gruffly told the children to go away
curtly

Used when someone speaks in a very short and terse manner, almost bordering on rudeness. This implies impatience or irritation.

  • He curtly replied that he didn't have time to talk
  • The waiter curtly asked what we wanted to order
abruptly

Used when someone speaks or acts suddenly and without warning. It often indicates a sharp change in behavior or tone.

  • She abruptly ended the conversation and walked away
  • The meeting abruptly came to a halt when the fire alarm went off
bluntly

Used when someone speaks in a direct and straightforward manner without considering the sensitivity or feelings of others. This has a negative connotation as it can come off as rude or insensitive.

  • He bluntly told her that she was not qualified for the job
  • She bluntly pointed out the mistakes in his report

Examples of usage

  • He responded gruffly to her suggestion, without any explanation.
  • The boss always speaks gruffly, but he means well.

Translations

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Origin of 'gruffly'

The word 'gruffly' originated from the Middle English word 'gruf' which meant rough or coarse. Over time, it evolved to describe a manner of speaking that is harsh or blunt. The adverb 'gruffly' has been in use since the 16th century, reflecting a direct and often unfriendly tone in communication.


See also: gruff.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,360, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.