Austères (en. Austere)
o-stɛʁ
Meaning & Definition
EnglishFrench
adjective
Refers to a behavior or character that is severe, lacking in indulgence.
His teaching method is austere, which does not encourage students to express themselves.
Sa manière d'enseigner est austère, ce qui n'encourage pas les élèves à s'exprimer.
Refers to a lifestyle or environment that is stripped down and undecorated.
The monastery had an austere decoration, with bare walls and few pieces of furniture.
Le monastère avait une décoration austère, avec des murs nus et peu de meubles.
Refers to a person who appears cold and distant.
Although he is an austere man, he possesses great wisdom.
Bien qu'il soit un homme austère, il possède une grande sagesse.
Refers to a rigid or harsh aspect.
The austere lines of modern architecture contrast with the softness of old buildings.
Les lignes austères de l'architecture moderne contrastent avec la douceur des bâtiments anciens.
Etymology
From Latin 'austerus', meaning 'severe' or 'rigid'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
an austere life
an existence without luxuries or unnecessary pleasures
une vie austère
an austere style
a style that favors simplicity and the absence of decoration
un style austère
Related Words
severe
Who imposes strict discipline or does not accept lightness.
sévère
minimalist
Who focuses on the essential and eliminates the superfluous.
minimaliste
sterile
Who is devoid of life or ornaments.
stérile
Slang Meanings
When someone is said to be austere, it can mean that they are too serious.
Stop being so austere, relax a little!
Arrête d'être aussi austère, détends-toi un peu !
Austere in a sense of stripped down, lacking atmosphere.
This party was too austere, there was no atmosphere.
Cette fête était trop austère, il n'y avait pas d'ambiance.