adj
C2
Proficient
austere
o-STEER
Austere (adj) means Plain, strict, and without luxury or decoration. Example: “The monks lived an austere life with almost no possessions.”
adj
1
Plain, strict, and without luxury or decoration.
"The monks lived an austere life with almost no possessions."
"The hotel room was austere — just a bed and a small desk."
2
Serious and stern in manner or appearance.
"Her austere expression made the students nervous before the exam."
How to use austere
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPlain, strict, and stripped of comfort or decoration — whether describing a lifestyle, a room, or a person's manner.
Common pairings
austere lifestyle
austere expression
austere interior
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Word forms
- Comparative
- austerer, more austere
- Superlative
- austerest, most austere
Fill the gap
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The monks lived an _____ life with almost no possessions.
Etymology
From Greek austērós ("harsh, bitter"), originally describing the sharp taste of unripe fruit or wine.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for austere
See all rhymes for austere →Frequently asked questions
What does “austere” mean?
The word “austere” means plain, strict, and without luxury or decoration. In plain terms, plain, strict, and stripped of comfort or decoration — whether describing a lifestyle, a room, or a person's manner.
How do you pronounce “austere”?
“Austere” is pronounced o-STEER (/ɔˈstiɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “austere” in a sentence?
Here is “austere” used in a sentence: “The monks lived an austere life with almost no possessions.”
What part of speech is “austere”?
“Austere” is an adjective.
Where does the word “austere” come from?
The word “austere” comes from Greek. From Greek austērós ("harsh, bitter"), originally describing the sharp taste of unripe fruit or wine.
How many meanings does “austere” have?
“Austere” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: plain, strict, and without luxury or decoration.
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