English vocabulary · B2
Austere
ɔːˈstɪr · adj.
It means very plain and strict, with no comfort at all. Nothing extra, just what is needed.
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Example sentences
- The monk lived an austere life with no luxuries.
- The office was austere — bare walls, one desk.
Word origin and roots
from Greek
- auster — harsh (from Greek)
Synonyms and nuances
- PLAIN (appearance is simple with no decoration)
- STRICT (rules and discipline are harsh)
- BARE (stripped of all luxuries or extras)
Lesson notes
Austere. It means very plain and strict, with no comfort at all. Nothing extra, just what is needed.
Similar words are plain, strict, and bare. Use austere when a place or person shows no warmth at all.
The monk lived an austere life with no luxuries. The office was austere — bare walls, one desk.
From Greek. Auster means harsh. Harsh and plain, with nothing soft — that is austere.