Main Entry: as·cet·ic

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈse-tik, a-\

Variant(s): also as·cet·i·cal \-ti-kəl\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Greek askētikos, literally, laborious, from askētēs one that exercises, hermit, from askein to work, exercise

Date: 1646

1 : practicing strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline
2 : austere in appearance, manner, or attitude

synonyms see severe

— ascetic noun

— as·cet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

— as·cet·i·cism \-ˈse-tə-ˌsi-zəm\ noun