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austere

aus·tere

austere

 
 
pronunciation:
aw stir
features:
Word Combinations (adjective)
part of speech: adjective
definition 1: having a stern or solemn appearance or personality.
The austere clergyman was somewhat frightening to the children.
synonyms:
severe, solemn
antonyms:
genial
similar words:
forbidding, grave, rigid, serious, sober, stern, unbending
definition 2: having nothing more than what is strictly necessary; very simple or plain.
The doctor put her on an austere diet.Her room in the hospital was austere, and this made her appreciate the flowers even more.
synonyms:
modest, plain
antonyms:
aureate, lush, ornate
similar words:
humble, prosaic, severe, simple, stringent, unadorned
definition 3: strict or ascetic in manner of living.
He was suited to the austere life of a monk.
synonyms:
abstinent, ascetic, severe, strict
antonyms:
luxurious
similar words:
abstemious, monastic, puritanical, rigorous
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivations: austerely (adv.), austereness (n.)