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Austere

/ɔːˈstɪr/

adjectiveC1

Definition

Austere describes something that is very plain and without any extra things that make it look nice or comfortable. It can also mean a person or a style that is serious, strict, or not showing emotion. People use "austere" to talk about places, styles, or attitudes that are simple, harsh, or strict.

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⚡ See It in Action

Very plain, simple, and without decoration or comfort

  • •The room was austere, with only a bed and a wooden table.
  • •Their house had an austere style, no paintings or curtains.
  • •The office looked austere, with white walls and no pictures.

Serious, strict, and not showing emotion or fun

  • •The teacher had an austere manner and rarely smiled.
  • •He lived an austere life, avoiding luxuries and pleasures.
  • •The judge’s austere expression showed he was not pleased.

🧲 Make It Stick

  • ✓Think of "austere" like "simple," but much stronger—no decorations, no soft or fun things, just very plain and serious
  • ✓Picture a room with only the bare walls, a wooden chair, and no pictures or colors—very empty and plain
  • ✓It's the feeling when someone is very serious and does not smile or joke much, like a strict teacher or a monk
  • ✓Sounds like "aw-STEER" → imagine a strong, cold wind steering (guiding) everything strictly and without softness
  • ✓Think of a monk’s life in stories—no luxury, no fun, just strict rules and simple living
  • ✓NOT like "cozy" (warm, comfortable)—austere is cold and without comfort
  • ✓NOT like "friendly" (warm and kind)—austere can be strict and unemotional
  • ✓NOT like "decorated" (with colors and shapes)—austere means plain and empty
  • ✓NOT like "relaxed"—austere feels serious and strict, not easy or soft

🔄 Try Other Words

  • •Plain: very simple and without decoration (Use when focusing only on the look, not on strictness)
  • •Strict: very serious and controlling (Use when talking about behavior or rules)
  • •Severe: very harsh or serious (Use when emphasizing harshness or difficulty)
  • •Minimalist: having very few things or decorations (Use when describing style or design with few items)

🔍 Unboxing

  • •Word parts: no clear prefix or suffix; root word "austere" comes as a whole adjective
  • •Etymology: From Latin "austerus," meaning "harsh" or "severe"
  • •Historical development: Used since the 1500s to describe harsh or strict conditions or styles
  • •Modern usage: Used to describe simple, plain designs or serious, strict behavior or attitudes

💭 Reflect & Connect

•How can living in an austere way affect a person’s happiness or comfort?
•Can something be beautiful even if it is austere? When might plainness be better than decoration?

Fill in the blanks with the correct word:

1.The room was austere ___, with no decorations or soft furniture to make it comfortable.
2.His austere attitude made people feel ___ and afraid to speak freely.
3.Unlike a cozy home, an austere place feels ___ and without warmth.
4.When the teacher spoke in an austere tone, the students knew the lesson was ___.
5.The monastery’s austere lifestyle means they avoid ___ and live simply.
6.An austere design usually ___ bright colors or patterns.
7.You can tell someone is austere by their serious ___ and lack of jokes or smiles.