adjective

austere

/ɔˈstɪr/ · say it: aw·STEER

severe or plain; without comfort or luxury

In Sophisticated Everyday

plain and severe; without ornament

In Describing & Comparing

In more detail

1. (adjective) very simple and plain, with no decoration or comfort

2. (adjective) serious and strict in manner or appearance; stern

Examples

1. The austere room had only a bed and a table.
2. The teacher's austere expression made the students nervous.

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austere

In more detail

Examples

Nearby in Sophisticated Everyday