GRUFFLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does gruffly mean? 

• GRUFFLY (adverb)
  The adverb GRUFFLY has 1 sense:

1. in a gruff manner

  Familiarity information: GRUFFLY used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• GRUFFLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a gruff manner

Context example:

'No,' he replied gruffly

Pertainym:

gruff (brusque and surly and forbidding)

 Context examples 

“Never mind what’s up,” he answered gruffly.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

Oz gave a low growl at this, but said, gruffly: "If you indeed desire a heart, you must earn it."

(The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum)

"Who talks of cadeaux?" said he gruffly.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

“I have been waiting this time back,” said Hordle John gruffly.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Accordingly, it was pretty gruffly that the doctor answered him.

(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

"What do you hear from your mother?" asked the old lady gruffly.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

“You might wrap up the goods before you deliver ’m,” the stranger said gruffly, and Manuel doubled a piece of stout rope around Buck’s neck under the collar.

(The Call of the Wild, by Jack London)

“I have been cozened and bejaped,” quoth he gruffly.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Goodness knows I need a little change, for elegance has a bad effect upon my constitution, returned Jo gruffly, being disturbed by her failure to suit.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

So she winked hard, shook her head, and said gruffly because Amy was listening, "It was an abominable thing, and she doesn't deserve to be forgiven." With that she marched off to bed, and there was no merry or confidential gossip that night.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)