Gruff describes a rough, harsh voice or manner that might sound unfriendly at first. A gruff voice is low and scratchy, like someone who just woke up or has been shouting all day. When someone speaks in a gruff tone, they sound abrupt and maybe a bit cranky.

People can have a gruff manner, too. A gruff shopkeeper might grunt instead of saying hello, or answer questions with just one or two words. But here's something important about gruffness: it doesn't always mean someone is actually mean or unkind. Sometimes the gruffest people turn out to be generous and caring once you get to know them. They just don't show warmth in the usual ways.

Think of a neighbor who seems stern and speaks roughly but always helps when someone needs something, or a coach whose gruff commands during practice come from wanting the team to succeed. The word gruff captures that outer roughness that might hide a softer inside. In stories, gruff characters often surprise others by revealing their good hearts beneath that crusty exterior.