gruff
The definition for gruff is "Rough or stern in manner or speech." Used in a sentence: Heidi's grandfather was gruff, barking stern orders and hardly smiling.
inflammatory
The definition for inflammatory is "Tending to excite anger." Used in a sentence: Garth's inflammatory remarks at the party made Gwen furious.
pathos
The definition for pathos is "Sympathetic pity." Used in a sentence: The soldiers cherished the kindly Nurse Nightingale for her pathos.
punctual
The definition for punctual is "On time." Used in a sentence: Ron was worried when the usually punctual Amanda was late for the show.
straddle
The definition for straddle is "To favor opposing sides." Used in a sentence: Kia straddled the issue, not wanting to say whether James or Tara was right.