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bluff - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'bluff' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Bluff [ a.]
- Having a broad, flattened front; as, the bluff bows of a ship.
- Rising steeply with a flat or rounded front.
- Surly; churlish; gruff; rough.
- Abrupt; roughly frank; unceremonious; blunt; brusque; as, a bluff answer; a bluff manner of talking; a bluff sea captain.
2 . Bluff [ n.]
- A high, steep bank, as by a river or the sea, or beside a ravine or plain; a cliff with a broad face.
- An act of bluffing; an expression of self-confidence for the purpose of intimidation; braggadocio; as, that is only bluff, or a bluff.
- A game at cards; poker.
3 . Bluff [ v. i.]
- To act as in the game of bluff.
4 . Bluff [ v. t.]
- To deter (an opponent) from taking the risk of betting on his hand of cards, as the bluffer does by betting heavily on his own hand although it may be of less value.
- To frighten or deter from accomplishing a purpose by making a show of confidence in one's strength or resources; as, he bluffed me off.

Meaning of 'bluff' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . bluff [ n]
Meaning (1):
- pretense that your position is stronger than it really is
Example in sentence:
  • his bluff succeeded in getting him accepted
2 . bluff [ s]
Meaning (2):
- bluntly direct and outspoken but good-natured
Example in sentence:
  • a bluff and rugged natural leader;
  • a bluff but pleasant manner
Meaning (3):
- very steep; having a prominent and almost vertical front
Example in sentence:
  • a bluff headland;
  • a sheer descent of rock;
  • where the bold chalk cliffs of England rise

Nearby Words:

blub blubber blubbered blubbering blubbery blucher bludgeon blue blue bonnet blue book

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