austere

/ɔˈstɪər/

/ɔˈstɪə/

Other forms: austerest; austerer

The adjective austere is used to describe something or someone stern or without any decoration. You wouldn't want someone to describe you or your home as austere.

Austere is not usually a positive word because it means that a person or a thing isn't pleasurable. For example, if you go on an austere diet, it's likely you wouldn't ever get to have candy. The adjective comes into English by way of French, Latin, and Greek, meaning "harsh" and "dry." It's pronounced as "ah-STEER," with an emphasis on the second syllable.

Definitions of austere

1. adjective

   of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
   “an austere expression”

   synonyms: stern

   nonindulgent, strict

   characterized by strictness, severity, or restraint
2. adjective

   practicing great self-denial
   “a desert nomad's austere life”

   synonyms: ascetic, ascetical, spartan

   abstemious

   sparing in consumption of especially food and drink
3. adjective

   severely simple
   synonyms: severe, stark, stern

   plain

   not elaborate or elaborated; simple