austere
/ɔːˈstɪər/- 1.
Describing a lifestyle, place, or conditions that are very simple, without comfort or luxury. Something austere has only what is necessary and nothing extra.
- The monks lived an austere life with no technology or entertainment.
- The dormitory rooms were austere — just a bed, a desk, and bare walls.
- Growing up in austere conditions made her tough and resourceful.
- 2.
Describing an appearance or design that is plain and completely without decoration. An austere style feels clean but cold or unfriendly.
- The courtroom had an austere design — white walls and no artwork.
- Her austere wardrobe contained only grey and black clothing.
- 3.
Describing a person who is serious, strict, and not warm or friendly. An austere person expects discipline and rarely shows emotion.
- The professor was known for his austere manner in class.
- Her austere expression made students too nervous to ask questions.
- He was an austere leader who demanded complete obedience from his team.
Adinary Nuance
Austere sits in a cluster of near-neighbors — spartan, frugal, severe, and ascetic — but each has a distinct angle. Spartan emphasises a complete absence of physical comfort (think bare military barracks). Frugal is narrower, referring specifically to careful, economical use of money. Ascetic goes further than austere, implying deliberate self-denial for spiritual or moral reasons — an ascetic might fast or sleep on the floor by choice. Severe carries a harsher, more punishing tone — a severe critic, a severe penalty. Austere is the most versatile of the group: it works equally well for people, places, design styles, and economic policies, and it carries a sense of principled simplicity rather than cruelty or deprivation.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- khắc kỷ
- Spanish
- austero
- Chinese
- 朴素
- Japanese
- 質素
- Korean
- 소박한
Etymology
From Old French *austere* and Latin *austerus*, itself borrowed from Greek *austēros* meaning "harsh" or "dry to the taste." The word entered English in the 14th century, originally describing a bitter or sharp flavour before expanding to mean moral strictness and, later, physical plainness.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between 'austere' and 'frugal'?
- 'Frugal' is specifically about being careful with money and avoiding waste. 'Austere' is broader — it describes a whole lifestyle, personality, or environment that is deliberately plain and strict, going well beyond finances.
- Is 'austere' a formal word? Can I use it in IELTS writing?
- Yes, 'austere' is a formal, academic-register word that appears frequently in IELTS model answers, news articles, and literature. In everyday conversation, people usually say 'strict', 'plain', or 'simple' instead.
- Can 'austere' describe a person?
- Yes. An austere person is serious, cold, and not warm or welcoming. It suggests someone who values discipline over comfort and rarely shows personal warmth. It is not a compliment in most contexts.
- What does 'austerity measures' mean — is it related to 'austere'?
- Yes, directly. 'Austerity measures' is a common economic and political phrase referring to government policies that sharply cut spending to reduce debt. 'Austerity' is the noun form of the adjective 'austere'.