gruff

Meanings

• adjective

  1. Unpleasantly gruff or surly in manner.

  - "He was a gruff old man who lived alone in the forest."
  - "Despite his gruff exterior, the coach driver was actually very kind."

• adjective

  2. (of a voice) Deep and harsh.

  - "The detective had a gruff voice that seemed to rumble like thunder."
  - "The actor's gruff voice was perfect for the part of the grizzled prospector."

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Rhymes

Words rhyming with gruff
rough , tough , enough , bough , dough

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Variants

List of all variants of gruff that leads to same result
gruff , gruffer , gruffest , gruffly , gruffness , gruffnesses , gruffed , gruffing , gruffs

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Etymology

origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

Originally meant 'rough' or 'hairy', later developed the meaning of 'unpleasant' or 'surly'.

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Trivia

Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word

1. The term 'gruff' comes from the Old English word 'graf', meaning 'rough' or 'hairy'.

2. In Welsh folklore, 'Gruffudd' was a legendary prince who became the patron saint of Wales.

3. The term 'gruffalo' is a fictional creature from a children's book by Julia Donaldson, characterized by its rough, shaggy coat.

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Related Concepts

informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to

1. surly: A term used to describe someone who is unpleasant or uncooperative, often with a gruff or harsh demeanor.

2. grouch: A person who is constantly irritable or complaining, often with a gruff or surly attitude.

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Culture

Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.

The term 'gruff' has been used in various forms of literature and media to describe characters who are initially perceived as unpleasant or surly, but who may have hidden kindness or depth. In music, 'gruff' has been used as a nickname for certain musical genres, such as Welsh post-punk.

How to Memorize "gruff"

1. visualize
   

   - Imagine a rough, unshaven man with a deep, gruff voice.

2. associate
   

   - Associate the word 'gruff' with the feeling of a rough texture or a deep, harsh voice.

3. mnemonics
   

   - Use the mnemonic 'Gruff old man, rough and surly'

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