B2 — Upper Intermediateadjective
burbero
gruff, surly, grumpy
Synonyms (≈ similar meaning)
scorbuticoscontrosobruscoirascibilearcigno
Antonyms (≠ opposite meaning)
affabilecordialegentilebonariosorridente
Usage note
'Burbero benefico' is an Italian expression for a gruff but generous person. 'Scorbutico' is slightly stronger and more negative. 'Arcigno' suggests a stern, harsh expression.
Example
"All'inizio sembra burbero, ma in realtà è una persona dal cuore d'oro."
"He seems gruff at first, but he is actually a person with a heart of gold."
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