gruff
/ɡrʌf/
adjective
- Rough, unfriendly, or impatient in manner or voice, but often not meaning to be unkind.
- The old librarian had a gruff voice but was actually very helpful.
- She gave a gruff nod and walked away without saying goodbye.
- His gruff reply made me think he was angry, but he was just tired.
- (of a voice or sound) rough and harsh, often because of a sore throat or age.
- After yelling all day, his voice became gruff and scratchy.
- The dog let out a gruff bark when the stranger approached.
- Her gruff cough worried the doctor.