What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
austere
Example
The austere teacher demanded discipline and hard work from his students. [austere: adjective]
Example
The room was decorated in an austere manner, with clean lines and neutral colors. [austere: adverb]
rigid
Example
The rigid board refused to bend, no matter how much force was applied. [rigid: adjective]
Example
The company has a rigid hierarchy, with clear lines of authority and little room for creativity. [rigid: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rigid is more commonly used than austere in everyday language. Rigid is versatile and can be applied to various contexts, while austere is less common and often used in specific situations related to simplicity or discipline.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between austere and rigid?
Both austere and rigid can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, austere is often associated with a more formal tone due to its connection with discipline and self-control, while rigid can be used in both formal and informal settings to describe strict adherence to rules or regulations.
