austere

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aus·tere / ôˈsti(ə)r/ • adj. (-ter·er, -ter·est) severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance: an austere man, with a rigidly puritanical outlook. ∎  (of living conditions or a way of life) having no comforts or luxuries; harsh or ascetic: conditions in the prison could hardly be more austere. ∎  having an extremely plain and simple style or appearance; unadorned: the cathedral is impressive in its austere simplicity. ∎  (of an economic policy or measure) designed to reduce a budget deficit, esp. by cutting public expenditure.DERIVATIVES: aus·tere·ly adv.

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