Austere

Characterized by strict discipline and severity; lacking in ornamentation or luxury; plain and simple. Austerity can apply to a person's lifestyle, a physical environment, or an artistic style. It often implies a sense of seriousness, self-control, and a rejection of excess. This can be applied to living conditions, economic policies, or even artistic or literary styles. The goal is usually to remove unnecessary elements to arrive at a focused and impactful result.

Austere meaning with examples

• The monks lived an austere life, marked by prayer, manual labor, and a strict diet, shunning all forms of indulgence or frivolous activity within their monastery.
• The minimalist apartment had an austere design, with white walls, sparse furniture, and only essential items, creating a calming atmosphere.
• Faced with a failing economy, the government implemented austere measures, including spending cuts and tax increases, to reduce the national debt.
• The writer's austere prose style, devoid of flowery language, was appreciated for its directness and precision, drawing the reader into the story.
• The imposing, gothic cathedral's austere architecture conveyed a sense of solemnity and reverence, emphasizing the gravity of the religious rituals held there.