What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ascetic
Example
The monk lived an ascetic life, spending his days in prayer and meditation. [ascetic: adjective]
Example
She decided to adopt a more ascetic lifestyle, giving up unnecessary luxuries. [ascetic: noun]
severe
Example
The teacher gave the students a severe warning about their behavior. [severe: adjective]
Example
He suffered from a severe headache that lasted for hours. [severe: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Severe is more commonly used than ascetic in everyday language. Severe is a versatile word that can be applied to different contexts, while ascetic is less common and more specific to describing a particular lifestyle or practice.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ascetic and severe?
Both ascetic and severe can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, ascetic may be more commonly used in religious or spiritual discussions, while severe can be employed in a wider range of situations and conversations.
