noun
- the quality of being rough or harsh in manner or voice
Examples
- His gruffness made the children afraid to approach him.
- Despite her gruffness, she was actually very kind-hearted.
- The old man’s gruffness hid his deep concern for others.
- The teacher’s gruffness disappeared when she smiled.
- His voice had a gruffness that came from years of smoking.
- She spoke with unusual gruffness after the argument.