austere

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[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Old French, from Latin austērus (dry, harsh, sour, tart), from Ancient Greek αὐστηρός (austēros), bitter, harsh), having the specific meaning "making the tongue dry" (originally used of fruits, wines), related to αὔω (auō), to singe), αὖος (auos), dry).

[edit] Pronunciation

[edit] Adjective

austere (comparative austerer or more austere, superlative austerest or most austere)

Positive
austere

Comparative
austerer or more austere

Superlative
austerest or most austere

  1. Grim or severe in manner or appearance
    The headmistress was an austere old woman.
  2. Lacking trivial decoration; not extravagant or gaudy
    The interior of the church was as austere as the parishioners were dour.

[edit] Synonyms

[edit] Antonyms

[edit] Derived terms

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[edit] Italian

[edit] Adjective

austere pl.

  1. Feminine form of austero.