more gruff-like or having qualities of being gruff; a variant comparative form emphasizing the gruff quality.
An alternative comparative form using -ier instead of -er, suggesting the word was sometimes treated as having a vowel-heavy quality deserving the extra 'i' sound.
Words like 'gruffier' show English speakers experimenting with how to describe intensity—some people naturally say 'gruffer' while others say 'gruffier,' and both are now correct because language follows what native speakers actually do.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.