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austere

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

austere

Main Entry:: aus·tere
Pronunciation:: \ȯ-ˈstir also -ˈster\
Function:: adjective
Etymology:: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin austerus, from Greek austēros harsh, severe; akin to Greek hauos dry — more at sere
Date:: 14th century

1 a: stern and cold in appearance or manner b: somber , grave <an austere critic>2: morally strict : ascetic3: markedly simple or unadorned <an austere office> <an austere style of writing>4: giving little or no scope for pleasure <austere diets>5of a wine : having the flavor of acid or tannin predominant over fruit flavors usually indicating a capacity for aging

synonyms see severe

— aus·tere·ly adverb

— aus·tere·ness noun

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