austere

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Severe or stern in manner or appearance.

   The headmistress was an austere old woman who rarely smiled.

2. 2
   adj

   Plain and simple, without any decoration or comfort.

   The interior of the church was austere, with bare stone walls and no ornament.

3. 3
   adj

   Practicing strict self-denial and avoiding pleasure or luxury.

   He led an austere life, owning almost nothing and eating only plain food.

4. 4
   adj

   Following a strict economic policy of cutting spending.

   The government adopted austere measures to reduce the national debt.

From Ancient Greek αὐστηρός (austērós, “bitter, harsh, astringent”), having the specific meaning “making the tongue dry” (originally used of fruits, wines), related to αὔω (aúō, “to singe”), αὖος (aûos, “dry”).

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