Austere

Pronunciation

• RP: IPA: /É’stɪə(ɹ)/ or IPA: /ɔːstɪə(ɹ)/
• US: IPA: /ɔˈstiəɹ/
• cot-caught: IPA: /ɑˈstiəɹ/
• Rhymes: -ɪə(ɹ)

Origin

From Old French austere, from Latin austērus ("dry, harsh, sour, tart"), from Ancient Greek αὐστηρός (austēros, "bitter, harsh"), having the specific meaning "making the tongue dry" (originally used of fruits, wines), related to αὔω (auō, "to singe"), αὖος (auos, "dry").

Full definition of austere

Adjective

1. Grim or severe in manner or appearanceThe headmistress was an austere old woman.
2. Lacking trivial decoration; not extravagant or gaudyThe interior of the church was as austere as the parishioners were dour.

Synonyms

• (grim or severe) stern, strict, forbidding
• (lacking trivial decoration) simple, plain, unadorned, unembellished

Antonyms

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

Derived terms

• austerity
• austerely