AUSTERE

ascetic, ascetical, austere, spartan

(adjective) practicing great self-denial; “Be systematically ascetic...do...something for no other reason than that you would rather not do it”- William James; “a desert nomad’s austere life”; “a spartan diet”; “a spartan existence”

austere, stern

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

austere, severe, stark, stern

(adjective) severely simple; “a stark interior”

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Adjective

austere (comparative austerer or more austere, superlative austerest or most austere)

Grim or severe in manner or appearance

Lacking trivial decoration; not extravagant or gaudy

Synonyms

• (grim or severe): stern, strict, forbidding

• (lacking trivial decoration): simple, plain, unadorned, unembellished

Antonyms

• (not lacking trivial decoration): overwrought, flamboyant, extravagant, gaudy, flashy

Source: Wiktionary


Aus*tere", Etym: [F. austère, L. austerus, fr. Gr. Sear.]

1. Sour and astringent; rough to the state; having acerbity; as, an austere crab apple; austere wine.

2. Severe in modes of judging, or living, or acting; rigid; rigorous; stern; as, an austere man, look, life. From whom the austere Etrurian virtue rose. Dryden.

3. Unadorned; unembellished; severely simple.

Syn.

– Harsh; sour; rough; rigid; stern; severe; rigorous; strict.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

16 April 2025

RACY

(adjective) marked by richness and fullness of flavor; “a rich ruby port”; “full-bodied wines”; “a robust claret”; “the robust flavor of fresh-brewed coffee”


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Coffee Trivia

There are more than 50 countries that export coffee. They are near the equator, where the climate is conducive to producing coffee beans.

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