austere
adjective/ɔˈstɪr/
Frequency rank: #12,995 most common English word
Meaning
Simple and plain, without comfort or decoration; strict in self-discipline.

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
- afieldto or at a distance; away from the usual or familiar area.
- alightto land or settle on something after flying or falling.
- amazementA feeling of great surprise or wonder.
- apneaA temporary cessation of breathing, especially during sleep.
- armpitthe hollow area under the shoulder joint where the arm meets the body.
- authoritarianisma system of government in which one leader or party holds absolute power and demands strict obedience, suppressing individual freedoms.
- awkwardnessa feeling of social discomfort or embarrassment in a situation.
- backera person or organization that gives financial or other support to someone or something.
- backpackingtravelling independently with belongings carried in a backpack, typically cheaply and without fixed plans.
- bailiffA court officer responsible for keeping order in a courtroom and assisting the judge.