Austere
mediumNeutral toneaw-STEER
adjective
Definition
Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance; having no comforts or luxuries
Memory hook
AUS-TERE: An austere room is as bare and harsh as the Australian OUTBACK -- no comforts.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The monk lived an austere life with few possessions.”
“Her austere demeanor intimidated the new students.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The monk lived an ______ life with few possessions.”
Show answer
austere
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
stringent
strict, precise, and demanding in requirement or standard
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