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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
austere
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The word "austere" is correct and usable in written English.
Austere typically describes something that is stern, severe, or devoid of luxury and pleasure. Example sentence: The austere chapel was almost devoid of any decorations or furnishings.
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
By European standards, British austerity has not, therefore, been terribly austere; government spending has fallen in real terms by only 7% since the Tories came to power in 2010.
News & Media
From childhood an Indian is brought up on the notion that austerity and a contented life is good.Mr Narayan's own upbringing was not austere.
News & Media
The puffin seems eminently suitable to be our national bird: a dapper little character who is equally at home on sea or land, given to hedonistic feasting when the seasons allow, but also capable of austere self-denial (they spend their winters out in the North Atlantic).
News & Media
The people spoke and with a decided voice: in England they called for a conservative approach to social policy and economics, while in Scotland, giving the SNP a landslide, the Scots have demanded a radically different and less austere road than the rest of Britain.
News & Media
The songs fell silent when people reached the austere amphitheatre of the Union Buildings, built in light sandstone a century ago and in the style of the ancients – the government describes it as a "modern-day acropolis" atop a hill.
News & Media
Her values were simple and straightforward, based on the austere Methodism of her childhood – hard work, self-discipline and thrift.
News & Media
With the help of Henning Kristiansen's atmospheric cinematography, in a range of muted primary colours, Axel captures the bleak Jutland peninsula of the 1870s, where live two unmarried sisters (Bodil Kjer, Birgitte Federspiel), daughters of the former pastor, and founder of an austere religious sect, who devote themselves to keeping alive his memory and his teachings in the tiny remote community.
News & Media
+33 5 5340 8924, chateauderodie.com Nothing austere about this imposing, lovingly restored, 15th-century fortified castle in Usseau.
News & Media
For fans of a plain, austere look, there is a simple Putin headshot, mouth set in an implacable determination and eyes hidden behind a pair of shades, embossed on a plain white or black t-shirt.
News & Media
So while this certainly is an austere budget – and very much so for certain sections of the population in broader economic terms it is not the massive slamming on the brakes that it could have been.
News & Media
It's more than likely that some are descendants of bulbs bred in the mid-19th century by William Backhouse, who hybridised them in the grounds of his austere country house high above Wolsingham, among conifer plantations and windswept moorland at St Johns, on the edge of Pikestone Fell.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "austere" to describe environments, lifestyles, or policies that are deliberately simple and without luxury or excess. It is especially effective when highlighting a contrast with more extravagant alternatives.
Common error
Don't use "austere" when you simply mean "difficult" or "challenging". While an "austere" situation can be difficult, the word specifically implies a deliberate lack of ornamentation or comfort, not just hardship.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The word "austere" functions primarily as an adjective. It is used to describe a noun, indicating that it is severe or stern in appearance or manner; or lacking in luxury, ornamentation, or comfort. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the word.
Frequent in
News & Media
58%
Formal & Business
22%
Science
20%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The word "austere" is an adjective primarily used to describe something severe, simple, or lacking ornamentation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It commonly appears in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When using "austere", ensure it aligns with its connotations of simplicity and a deliberate lack of embellishment, rather than just difficulty. Related terms include "severe", "strict", and "unadorned". Avoid using "austere" to generally describe difficult situations. Remember to consider the overall tone and formality of your writing when incorporating this word.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
severe
Focuses on the strict or harsh nature of something.
strict
Highlights adherence to rules or principles without leniency.
unadorned
Emphasizes the lack of ornamentation or embellishment.
simple
Stresses the basic or fundamental nature, lacking complexity.
minimalist
Refers to a style or design characterized by extreme simplicity.
ascetic
Relates to self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures.
spartan
Implies simplicity, frugality, or avoidance of luxury and comfort.
plain
Underlines the lack of features or complexities.
forbidding
Highlights the stern or intimidating aspect.
stark
Emphasizes bareness, severity and simplicity.
FAQs
How to use "austere" in a sentence?
You can use "austere" to describe a simple and unadorned style, like in the sentence, "The room had an "austere" design". It can also describe policies or lifestyles that are very strict or frugal.
What can I say instead of "austere"?
Which is correct, "austere" or "ostentatious"?
"Austere" describes something simple and without luxury, while "ostentatious" describes something showy and extravagant. They are antonyms with opposite meanings.
What's the difference between "austere" and "ascetic"?
"Austere" generally refers to simplicity and lack of ornamentation, while "ascetic" specifically relates to rigorous self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, often for religious reasons. "Ascetic" implies a voluntary choice for self-denial.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested