austere

/ɒˈstɪə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ɔːˈstɪr/ (ame, ipa) · /ȯ-ˈstir also -ˈster/ (ame, mw)

austere — adjective

  • austerepositive
  • more austerecomparative
  • most austeresuperlative

1. describing a way of living that is very simple and has few comforts or pleasures

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describing a way of living that is very simple and has few comforts or pleasures, often because a person has very little money or chooses to live without luxuries

例句

After the factory closed, the whole town faced an austere winter with scarce supplies.

austere winter

Raj chose an austere life with few possessions so he could focus on his writing.

同義詞
  • ascetic

    stronger; implies deliberate religious or spiritual self-denial, not just lack of money

  • spartan

    similar but more specific to harsh living conditions with bare necessities

反義詞
  • comfortable

    providing physical ease and relaxation

  • luxurious

    full of comforts, pleasures, and expensive items

用法筆記

Often describes living conditions, childhood, a period of hardship, or a chosen simple lifestyle. Can be neutral or slightly positive when referring to a deliberate choice of simplicity (e.g. a monastic or artistic life).

常見錯誤

❌The food tasted austere.
✅The food tasted plain/simple.
💡'austere' describes conditions or appearance, not flavour (except as a technical wine term that was excluded from this dictionary).
❌She wore an austere dress to the wedding.
✅She wore a simple dress to the wedding.
💡'austere' sounds strongly critical for clothing; use 'simple' for neutral description.
❌The teacher is austere about deadlines.
✅The teacher is strict about deadlines.
💡'austere' describes someone's general manner, not their specific rules or enforcement.

2. plain and simple in appearance, with no decoration, bright colours, or unnecessa

2.形容詞B2
釋義

plain and simple in appearance, with no decoration, bright colours, or unnecessary features — used especially about buildings, rooms, furniture, and design

例句

The museum's austere concrete walls made the paintings stand out more.

austere concrete walls

Layla's bedroom had an austere look with only a bed and a wooden chair.

同義詞
  • plain

    more neutral and less formal; lacks the implication of deliberate severity

  • stark

    similar but suggests emptiness that may feel cold or harsh

  • simple

    most common word; less formal and carries a more positive tone

反義詞
  • ornate

    heavily decorated with many details and patterns

  • decorative

    having ornamental features designed to look attractive

用法筆記

Commonly used to describe architecture, interior design, visual art, and writing style. This sense contrasts with 'ornate' or 'decorative'. Unlike sense 1, there is no implication of hardship or suffering — only visual simplicity.

常見錯誤

❌She prefers austere colours like pink and yellow.
✅She prefers plain colours like white and grey.
💡'austere' describes a lack of decoration, not a colour palette.
❌The cake had an austere decoration.
✅The cake had a simple decoration.
💡'austere' is too strong for food presentation; use 'simple' or 'plain'.

3. very serious, strict, and unfriendly in the way someone looks, speaks, or behave

3.形容詞C1
釋義

very serious, strict, and unfriendly in the way someone looks, speaks, or behaves — giving others the feeling that the person disapproves of them

例句

The head teacher was an austere woman who never smiled at the students.

austere woman

Diego's grandfather had an austere expression that made visitors feel nervous.

同義詞
  • stern

    similar but less extreme — suggests firm seriousness without the coldness

  • severe

    focuses more on harshness and strictness than on unfriendliness

  • forbidding

    emphasises the effect on others — looking dangerous or unwelcoming

反義詞
  • friendly

    warm, kind, and approachable in manner

  • warm

    showing affection and kindness towards others

用法筆記

Describes a person's expression, tone of voice, or general demeanour. Stronger than 'serious' — it suggests coldness, disapproval, or a strict attitude that makes others uncomfortable. Distinguished from sense 1 and 2 by being about personal manner rather than lifestyle or visual style.

常見錯誤

❌My father was austere about my grades.
✅My father was strict about my grades.
💡'austere' is about a person's general manner, not their specific expectations in one area.
❌The austere teacher gave us extra homework.
✅The strict teacher gave us extra homework.
💡use 'strict' or 'severe' for actions or punishments; 'austere' describes the person's overall bearing.