austere
aus|tere /ɔːst'ɪər/
1 [ADJ]
If you describe something as austere, you approve of its plain and simple appearance.
The church was austere and simple.
2 [ADJ]
If you describe someone as austere, you disapprove of them because they are strict and serious.
I found her a rather austere, distant, somewhat cold person.
3 [ADJ]
An austere way of life is one that is simple and without luxuries.
The life of the troops was still comparatively austere.
= spartan
4 [ADJ]
An austere economic policy is one which reduces people's living standards sharply.
...a set of very austere economic measures to control inflation.
1 [ADJ]
If you describe something as austere, you approve of its plain and simple appearance.
The church was austere and simple.
2 [ADJ]
If you describe someone as austere, you disapprove of them because they are strict and serious.
I found her a rather austere, distant, somewhat cold person.
3 [ADJ]
An austere way of life is one that is simple and without luxuries.
The life of the troops was still comparatively austere.
= spartan
4 [ADJ]
An austere economic policy is one which reduces people's living standards sharply.
...a set of very austere economic measures to control inflation.