Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “austere” come from?

Austere comes from Ancient Greek αὐστηρός, which derives from Proto-Indo-European h₂sews-.

austere (English): Grim or severe in manner or appearance; Lacking...

Definitions

  1. Grim or severe in manner or appearance; Lacking...

Ancestry of “austere”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Ancient Greekαὐστηρόςbitter, harsh
2Proto-Indo-Europeanh₂sews-to be dry

Words derived from “austere”

  • austerely
  • austereness
Every word from Proto-Indo-European h₂sews- →