Austere
/ɔːˈstɪr/noun
Severe, plain, or strictly self-disciplined in manner, style, or appearance.
Did you know?Its ancient Greek ancestor, austērós, could mean “harsh” or “bitter,” and it even connected to the idea of astringency—the mouth-puckering force of something drying you out.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
αὐστηρός (austērós)
“Severe, harsh, strict, bitter, or astringent.”
Late Latin
Latin
austerus
“Harsh, severe, or sour-tasting.”
Old French
Old French
austere
“Severe, grave, or stern.”
Late Middle English
English
austere
“Severe, grave, or strict in manner or appearance.”
Modern English
English
austere
“Plainly simple, severe, or self-denying.”
Explore more surprising origins