Meaning: Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance; plain and simple.
Hindi: कठोर, सादा
Synonyms: stern, strict, ascetic, simple, plain
Antonyms: luxurious, indulgent, ornate
Asked in: SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Graduate Level) · SSC CHSL 2024 T-1 · SSC Selection Post Ph-11 2023 · SSC GD 2022 T-1 · SSC Steno 2020 T-1
austere in SSC previous-year questions
- SSC CHSL 2024 T-1 Synonyms
Read the sentence carefully and select the synonym of the underlined word from the given alternatives.
Everyone revered my austere father who was the high priest of the famous Shiva temple.
(SSC CHSL 2024 T-1 (03-July Shift 3))Answer & explanation
Answer: C) Stern
The most appropriate synonym of the underlined word "austere" in the sentence "Everyone revered my austere father who was the high priest of the famous Shiva temple" is:
Stern
"Austere" means serious, strict, or having a serious manner, which closely aligns with the meaning of "stern"—a word used to describe someone who is serious, strict, or severe in manner.
Here’s why the other options are incorrect:
• Aged refers to someone old, which doesn’t relate to the meaning of "austere."
• Composed means calm and self-controlled, but it doesn't carry the strict or serious connotation of "austere."
• Morose means sullen or gloomy, which is not a synonym for "austere," as it focuses more on mood tha - SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Graduate Level) Synonyms
Choose the most appropriate synonym of the underlined word.
The school followed an austere code of discipline.Answer & explanation
Answer: B) Strict
Meaning: austere = severe, strict and without comfort or indulgence *(कठोर, सख़्त, संयमी)*.
An *austere code of discipline* is a strict one — no relaxation, no frills.
strict = demanding that rules be obeyed exactly *(सख़्त, कड़ा)*.
Why the others are wrong.
#B Luxurious = full of comfort and costly pleasures *(विलासपूर्ण, आलीशान)* — practically the opposite of *austere*.
#B Decorative = ornamental, meant to look attractive *(सजावटी)* — austere things are plain, without decoration.
#B Pleasant = agreeable, enjoyable *(सुखद, मनभावन)* — says nothing about strictness.
Answer: Strict
*Austere = strict when it describes rules, plain when it describes a room or a lifestyle.* - SSC Selection Post Ph-11 2023 One Word Substitution
Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the underlined group of words in the given sentence.
He was severe in his manner, due to his rigidly puritanical outlook.Answer & explanation
Answer: A) austere
The one-word substitute that best fits the underlined group of words "severe in his manner, due to his rigidly puritanical outlook" is "austere." So, the correct option is: austere
Austere: Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance. It can also refer to something simple or plain, without any decoration or luxury.
Authentic: Genuine, real, or true. Something that is authentic is not a copy or imitation; it is original and trustworthy.
Faithful: Loyal, reliable, or steadfast. It can also refer to being accurate or exact, as in faithfully following instructions.
Precise: Exact, accurate, or clearly defined. Precise refers to being very detailed or specific, leaving no room for interpr
Examples
- “The monk led an austere life, free from material comforts.”
austere – questions
What is the meaning of austere in Hindi?
austere means “कठोर, सादा” in Hindi. In English: Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance; plain and simple.
What are the synonyms of austere?
Synonyms of austere: stern, strict, ascetic, simple, plain.
What is the opposite of austere?
Antonyms of austere: luxurious, indulgent, ornate.
Has austere been asked in SSC exams?
Yes – austere has been asked 5 times in SSC exams: SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Graduate Level), SSC CHSL 2024 T-1, SSC Selection Post Ph-11 2023, SSC GD 2022 T-1, SSC Steno 2020 T-1.