
好词典

源自中古荷兰语 'grof'(粗糙的),后经低地德语传入英语,原意与粗糙质地相关,后引申为形容人的粗鲁态度。
❶ 形容人说话或行为粗鲁、生硬,通常声音低沉沙哑,但未必有恶意,可能只是性格直率的表现。
“The old man gave a gruff reply but still helped me with my bags.”
(老人粗声粗气地回答,但还是帮我提了行李。)
“His gruff manner scared the children at first.”
(他粗鲁的态度一开始吓到了孩子们。)
gruff voice — 指低沉沙哑的嗓音,常用来形容年长者或性格直率的人的说话声音。
“The fisherman answered with his usual gruff voice.”
(渔夫用他惯常的沙哑嗓音回答。)