# austere

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ɒˈstɪə(ɹ)/ · frequency rank #28,822

## Definitions
1. Grim or severe in manner or appearance.
2. Lacking decoration; trivial; not extravagant or gaudy.
3. Adhering to the economic policy of austerity.
4. Harsh; astringent.

## Etymology
From Ancient Greek αὐστηρός (austērós, “bitter, harsh, astringent”), having the specific meaning “making the tongue dry” (originally used of fruits, wines), related to αὔω (aúō, “to singe”), αὖος (aûos, “dry”).

## Easily confused with
- **aster** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/aster-vs-austere)
- **Austen** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/austen-vs-austere)

## Common misspellings (9)
`asutere`, `ausetre`, `ausstere`, `austeer`, `austerre`, `austree`, `austtere`, `autsere`, `uastere`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/austere