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