bluffly

bluff ¹  (blf)

v. bluffed, bluff·ing, bluffs

v.tr.

1. To mislead or deceive.

2. To impress, deter, or intimidate by a false display of confidence.

3. Games To try to mislead (opponents) in a card game by heavy betting on a poor hand or by little or no betting on a good one.

v.intr.

To engage in a false display of strength or confidence.

n.

1. The act or practice of bluffing.

2. One that bluffs.

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[Probably from Dutch bluffen, from Low German.]

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bluffa·ble adj.

bluffer n.

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bluff ²  (blf)

n.

A steep headland, promontory, riverbank, or cliff.

adj. bluff·er, bluff·est

1. Rough and blunt but not unkind in manner. See Synonyms at gruff.

2. Having a broad, steep front.

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[Probably from obsolete Dutch blaf or Middle Low German blaff, broad.]

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bluffly adv.

bluffness n.

Thesaurus

Adv.

1.

bluffly - in a blunt direct manner; "he spoke bluntly"; "he stated his opinion flat-out"; "he was criticized roundly" bluntly, brusquely, flat out, roundly