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be austere

[bi ɔˈstɪr]
verb phrase
ser austero
1. to be severe or strict in manner, appearance, or lifestyle; to practice self-denial or restraint
The monastery's monks choose to be austere in their daily lives.
Os monges do mosteiro escolhem ser austeros em suas vidas cotidianas.
2. to be plain, unadorned, or lacking in luxury or decoration
The office design was austere, with minimal furniture and neutral colors.
O design do escritório era austero, com móveis mínimos e cores neutras.
3. to practice austerity; to live without indulgences
During the economic crisis, many families had to be austere with their spending.
Durante a crise econômica, muitas famílias tiveram que ser austeras com seus gastos.
Synonyms
be severebe strictbe spartanbe frugalbe ascetic
Antonyms
be luxuriousbe indulgentbe lavishbe extravagant

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser austero
standard usage
São Paulo
ser austero
standard usage, formal context
Rio de Janeiro
ser austero
standard usage
Portugal
ser austero
standard usage, common in formal or literary contexts

Related Idioms & Phrases

live an austere life
maintain an austere appearance
adopt austere measures
austere lifestyle
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