Austere
mediumaw-STEER
adjective
Definition
Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance; having no comforts or luxuries
Examples
“The monk lived an austere life with few possessions.”
“Her austere demeanor intimidated the new students.”
Categories
GRE Tip
Austere is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "severe" or "spartan" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "luxurious".
Related GRE Words
spartan
Marked by simplicity, frugality, or avoidance of luxury and comfort
recluse
A person who lives a solitary life and avoids other people
abstemious
Moderate in eating and drinking; self-restrained
ascetic
Characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence
hermit
A person living in solitude, especially for religious reasons
vagrant
A person without a settled home or regular work; wandering
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