A friend asked me about the definition of the word austere today. I thought, and remarked, "Consider things you think about when you reflect on Obama and his policies". I especially like the use of the words "simple" and "little or no scope for pleasure" in the literal definition below.


Definition of AUSTERE

1
a : stern and cold in appearance or manner
b : somber, grave <an austere critic>
2
: morally strict : ascetic
3
: markedly simple or unadorned <an austere office> <an austere style of writing>
4
: giving little or no scope for pleasure <austere diets>
5
of a wine : having the flavor of acid or tannin predominant over fruit flavors usually indicating a capacity for aging