adverb
- in a rough, harsh, or unfriendly manner; with a gruff tone or demeanor
Examples
- He gruffily told the visitor to wait outside.
- She gruffily dismissed the question without further explanation.
- The old man gruffily greeted his neighbors each morning.
- He responded gruffily to the friendly greeting.
- The captain gruffily ordered the crew to prepare the ship.
- She spoke gruffily, but her actions showed she cared.