What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
austere
Example
The monk lived an austere life in a small, plain room. [austere: adjective]
Example
Her austere expression made it clear that she was not pleased. [austere: adjective]
plain
Example
She wore a plain white dress to the party. [plain: adjective]
Example
The plain stretches as far as the eye can see, with no mountains or hills in sight. [plain: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Plain is more commonly used than austere in everyday language. Plain is a versatile word that can be applied to various objects or situations, while austere is less common and tends to be used in more specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between austere and plain?
While austere is typically associated with a more formal and serious tone, plain can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more flexible choice.
