Gruffier

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. exhibiting a temperament that is more severe and uninviting than normal
2. Showing a voice or demeanor that is harsher and less friendly than usual
3. Expressing oneself with a rougher, more abrupt tone or behavior than normal

Etymology: "Gruffier" is the comparative of "gruffer" family... Let me be precise: the base word is "gruffy," which is "gruff" plus the suffix "-y," and "gruffier" is its comparative form, meaning more rough and harsh. The suffix "-y" turns a noun or adjective into one meaning "having the quality of" or "characterized by," so "gruffy" describes something with the qualities of gruffness. The base "gruff" is the more familiar word, and it carries the sense of a rough, surly, or abrupt manner, most often applied to a voice or temperament. Here the comparative does the work: a gruffier voice sounds harsher and more hoarse than a gruff one, and a gruffier manner is more brusque still. Because the form is built on a simple suffix, its history is plain: it is a derived descriptive term rather than a borrowing from another language.

Synonyms: rougher, ruder, coarser, brusque, stern

Antonyms: gentler, softer, milder, nicer, friendlier