austere

adjective/ɔˈstɪr/

Frequency rank: #12,995 most common English word

Meaning

Simple and plain, without comfort or decoration; strict in self-discipline.

Illustration for the English word “austere”

Example sentence

The monk chose to live in austere conditions, owning only a mat and a single robe.

Synonyms & related words

Practice this word in the quiz

More words in ranks 12,901–13,000