A Word A Day : Austere



Sunday, 16th December 2007 : Today's Word is ...

Austere



( Adjective )


Pronunciation : aw-ste-ar

1. plain and simple, without luxury or self-indulgence

2. severely plain in design or lines, without distractions or decoration

3. grimly unsmiling, humorless, or suggesting strict self-denial

4. imposing or suggesting physical hardship

5. sparing in consumption of especially food and drink

6. practicing great self-denial


Etymology:


1300–50 : ME - L - austérus - Gk austérós harsh, rough, bitter


Synonyms:


serious, grim, severe, unsmiling, harsh, ascetic, rigid, somber, stark, severe, simple, basic, sparse, Spartan, harsh, plain, bare, simple, clean, undecorated, unembellished, unadorned


Antonyms:


gentle, comfortable, ornate, bright, cherry, frivolous, sunny, warm


Contextual Examples:


• We lived an austere life on the frontier.

• "It is very true," said the Poodle, with austere dignity, "that I am small, but, Sir, I beg to observe that I am all dog.


Related Words :


1. austerely: Adverb

2. austereness: Noun

3. austerity: Noun


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