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