austere

adj.severe in manner
adj.refraining; abstinent
adj.grim, barren

Synonyms for austere

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Antonyms for austere

antisocial

adjective. nonparticipating; avoiding company

Word Origin & History

early 14c., from Old French austere (Modern French austère) and directly from Latin austerus "dry, harsh, sour, tart," from Greek austeros "bitter, harsh," especially "making the tongue dry" (originally used of fruits, wines), metaphorically "austere, harsh," from PIE *saus- "dry" (cf. Greek auos "dry," auein "to dry"). Use in English is figurative: "stern, severe, very simple." Related: Austerely.

Example Sentences foraustere

His wife was an austere woman, who had once been kindly, and perhaps handsome.

May I once, and for the last time, assume the austere rights of friendship?

The Federal expanded with surprise and then with austere pleasure.

"I have done with you, Herbert Jameson," he said, with austere dignity.

And yet it must not be thought that his was an austere and grave existence.

The other judge was a man of austere countenance, and quite unknown to Ralph.

It suited his temperament, which was austere but not unfriendly.

Was this the ironic destiny of all ideals too austere for earth, too divine for humanity?

She was handsome, perhaps; but her face was too cold, too austere.

She was a stern, austere, hard-hearted woman, whom nobody loved.

austere

acrid

antisocial

ascetic

bald

bare

austere

More words related to austere

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antisocial

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