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“Rough” or “Ruff”

rough / ruff are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term.

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Definitions

What each term means

Same sound, different spellings and meanings, shown with a pronunciation guide for each term.

rough r·AH·f

  • nounthe part of a golf course bordering the fairway where the grass is not cut short.
  • adjectivehaving or caused by an irregular surface.
  • adjective(of persons or behavior) lacking refinement or finesse.
  • adjectiveof the margin of a leaf shape; having the edge cut or fringed or scalloped.
  • adjectivecausing or characterized by jolts and irregular movements.
  • adjectivenot perfected.

ruff r·AH·f

  • nouncommon Eurasian sandpiper; the male has an erectile neck ruff in breeding season.
  • noun(card games) the act of taking a trick with a trump when unable to follow suit.
Usage

Examples in context

Real sentences for each spelling. Hover an example to copy it.

“rough”

  • Rough Trade Records is an independent…
  • In 1979, Rough Trade's first album, Inflammable Material…
  • …on the set of The Rough South of Larry Brown
  • Soon after, Rough Trade also set up a…
  • …as overtrading on behalf of Rough Trade's distribution wing, led to…
  • …long and covered with scattered rough bumps (tubercles).
  • …cheliped is long with a rough bumpy texture on the upper
  • …formerly a press officer for Rough Trade Records before moving into…
  • …hand, Richard Luck of The Rough Guide to Rock writes that…
  • …role for him, considering his rough looks, commanding presence, and skill…

“ruff”

  • …with other architects like Ludwig Ruff, Troost planned and built State…
  • …had replaced the fired Lindy Ruff back on February 20, 2013)…
  • …another one, and named Lindy Ruff as the Sabres' new coach.
  • a white collar like a ruff trimmed with lace, and a…
  • …given by its editor, Charles Ruff, after a syndicated column "The…
  • Ruff., (1985).
  • …of Lading - with Rotem Ruff.
  • Close to the Edge (Ruff Mix) [5:54]
  • For fear of conceding a ruff and discard, West plays the…
  • Ruff, Calidris pugnax

Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions are drawn from WordNet.

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