gruff

IPA/ɡrʌf/
KK[ɡrˈʌf]IPA/ɡrʌf/

gruff — adjective

  • gruffpositive
  • gruffercomparative
  • gruffestsuperlative

1. used to describe a voice that is low and rough, making the speaker seem unfriend

1.形容詞B1
釋義

used to describe a voice that is low and rough, making the speaker seem unfriendly or angry; also describing someone's behaviour when they speak or act in a quick, impatient way without warmth

例句

The night watchman's gruff voice frightened the children playing in the alley.

collocation: gruff voice

Everyone knew that behind Mr. Niran's gruff manner was a generous heart.

pattern: beneath/behind + gruff manner

同義詞
  • brusque

    focuses on abrupt, short speech rather than voice quality

  • hoarse

    describes voice only — a rough, strained sound, without implying unfriendliness

  • curt

    emphasises shortness of reply, often rudely brief

  • surly

    suggests a consistently bad-tempered and unfriendly mood, not just voice

反義詞
  • gentle

    soft and kind in voice or manner

  • warm

    friendly and welcoming, the opposite of gruff behaviour

文法句型

gruff + noun

be + gruff

用法筆記

Can describe either a person's voice quality (low and rough) or their general manner (impatient and unfriendly). Often used with 'exterior' to contrast a harsh outside with a kind inside.

常見錯誤

❌His gruff voice was warm and friendly.
✅His gruff voice sounded low and rough, making him seem unfriendly.
💡'gruff' always carries a negative or unfriendly tone, so it does not combine well with 'warm and friendly'.
❌The teacher was gruff with the students when they did well.
✅The teacher was gruff with the students when they misbehaved.
💡'gruff' behaviour is triggered by frustration or impatience, not by positive situations.

gruff — verb