What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
austere
Example
The austere professor demanded excellence from his students. [austere: adjective]
Example
The room was furnished in an austere manner, with minimal decorations. [austere: adverb]
bitter
Example
The medicine had a bitter taste that made it hard to swallow. [bitter: adjective]
Example
She felt bitter towards her ex-boyfriend after their breakup. [bitter: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bitter is more commonly used than austere in everyday language. It is a versatile word that can be used to describe tastes, emotions, or experiences. Austere, on the other hand, is less common and has a more specific usage related to simplicity and plainness.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between austere and bitter?
While bitter can be used in both formal and informal contexts, austere is generally more formal in nature. It is often used in more serious or professional settings to describe a person's demeanor, appearance, or lifestyle.
