gruff 
/ˈgrʌf/ adjective
gruff·er; gruff·est /ˈgrʌf/ adjective 1 : rough or very serious in manner or speech
▪ Don't be fooled by his gruff manner—he's really very kind. ▪ his gruff charm ▪ a gruff old man 2 of a voice : low and rough
▪ He spoke in a gruff voice.
▪ Don't be fooled by his gruff manner—he's really very kind. ▪ his gruff charm ▪ a gruff old man
▪ He spoke in a gruff voice.
— gruff·ly adverb
▪ He answered their questions gruffly.
▪ He answered their questions gruffly.
— gruff·ness noun [noncount]
▪ Don't be fooled by his gruffness—he's really very kind.
▪ Don't be fooled by his gruffness—he's really very kind.
