austere
adjective/ɒˈstɪə(r)/, /ɔːˈstɪə(r)/
/ɔːˈstɪr/
- simple and plain; without any decorations
- her austere bedroom with its simple narrow bed
- Their clothes were always austere.
- the austere simplicity of the building
- the lonely, austere beauty of his painting of a station in the snow
- (of a person) strict and serious in appearance and behaviour
- My father was a distant, austere man.
- allowing nothing that gives pleasure; not comfortable
- the monks’ austere way of life
Word OriginMiddle English: via Old French from Latin austerus, from Greek austēros ‘severe’.
Check pronunciation:
austere