adverb
- in a rough, harsh, or unfriendly manner of speaking or behaving
Examples
- He gruffly told the visitor to wait outside.
- She gruffly dismissed his apology without listening.
- The old man gruffly answered the phone.
- He spoke gruffly, but his actions showed he cared.
- The captain gruffly ordered the crew to prepare the ship.
- She gruffly refused the offer of help.