What is the antonym of “luxus”?
The antonyms of luxus are poverty and austerity. The antonyms poverty and austerity convey a lack of luxury or excess. It implies a state of scarcity, simplicity, or frugality.
Brief Definitions of the Antonym(s)
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
poverty
The state of being extremely poor; lacking the basic necessities of life.
Example
Many people in developing countries live in poverty and struggle to meet their daily needs.
austerity
The state of living without excess or luxury; practicing self-discipline and frugality.
Example
During the economic recession, many families had to adopt austerity measures and cut back on their expenses.
How are these antonyms different from each other?
- 1Poverty is a state of extreme financial hardship, while austerity is a voluntary practice of living without excess.
- 2Poverty is a complementary antonym that describes a lack of resources, while austerity is a gradable antonym that describes a degree of self-discipline and frugality.
Good things to know
- 1Discuss Social Issues: Use poverty to talk about economic inequality and social injustice.
- 2Encourage Self-Discipline: Use austerity to motivate others to practice self-control and frugality.
- 3Compare and Contrast: Use these antonyms to highlight the differences between a luxurious lifestyle and a simple one.
Remember this!
The antonyms have distinct nuances: Poverty conveys a lack of resources, while austerity denotes a voluntary practice of living without excess. Use these words to discuss social issues, encourage self-discipline, and compare and contrast different lifestyles.
