Added 9 October 2026
austere
/ɒˈstɪə(ɹ)/ adjective
In Latin: austērus Wiktionary
adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about austere at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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Grim or severe in manner or appearance.
The headmistress was an austere old woman.
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Lacking decoration; trivial; not extravagant or gaudy.
The interior of the church was as austere as the parishioners were dour.
- Adhering to the economic policy of austerity.
Origin
From Ancient Greek αὐστηρός (austērós, “bitter, harsh, astringent”), having the specific meaning “making the tongue dry” (originally used of fruits, wines), related to αὔω (aúō, “to singe”), αὖος (aûos, “dry”).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)