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austerity


aus·ter·i·ty

noun
\-ˈster-ə-tē, -ˈste-rə- also -ˈstir-ə-\
plural aus·ter·i·ties

Definition of AUSTERITY

1
: the quality or state of being austere
2
a : an austere act, manner, or attitude b : an ascetic practice
3
: enforced or extreme economy

Examples of AUSTERITY

  1. the austerity of the design
  2. The austerity of their lifestyle was surprising.
  3. They lived through years of austerity after the war.
  4. the austerities practiced by monks

First Known Use of AUSTERITY

14th century

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