austere

[ɒˈstɪə(r)]

austere Definition

• 1. severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance
• 2. having no comforts or luxuries; harsh or ascetic

Using austere: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "austere" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The room was decorated in an austere style with plain white walls and simple furniture.

• Example

  He had an austere personality and rarely smiled.

• Example

  The austere living conditions of the monks included sleeping on hard beds and eating plain food.

austere Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for austere

• severe
• strict
• stern
• ascetic
• unadorned

Antonyms for austere

• luxurious
• indulgent
• lavish

Phrases with austere

• austere beauty

  beauty that is simple and unadorned

  Example

  The painting's austere beauty captivated me.

• austere lifestyle

  a way of living that is simple and without luxuries

  Example

  The monk's austere lifestyle involved long periods of meditation and fasting.

• austere measures

  harsh or severe actions taken to solve a problem

  Example

  The government implemented austere measures to reduce the budget deficit.

Origins of austere

from Latin 'austerus', meaning 'severe'

📌

Summary: austere in Brief

'Austere' [ɒˈstɪə(r)] describes a person or thing that is severe, strict, or unadorned. It can refer to a person's personality or appearance, as well as to a room or building's decor. The term also denotes a way of life that is without luxuries, such as the austere lifestyle of monks. 'Austere' can be used in phrases like 'austere beauty' and 'austere measures,' which describe beauty that is simple and unadorned, and harsh or severe actions taken to solve a problem, respectively.