austerely
gb/ˌɔstˈɪɹli/ us/ˌɔstˈɪɹli/
B2
English
szigorúan, puritánul, takarékosan, ridegen, hűvösen
C1
1
szigorúan
B1
Usage pattern:
[someone] speaks/replies/looks [austerely]
The headteacher spoke austerely about the consequences of cheating.
Az igazgató szigorúan beszélt a csalás következményeiről.
When asked to explain, she replied austerely and ended the discussion.
Amikor magyarázatot kértek tőle, szigorúan válaszolt, és lezárta a beszélgetést.
He looked at them austerely, as if waiting for an apology.
Learner examples
The manager answered austerely.
A vezető szigorúan válaszolt.
She spoke austerely to the class.
Szigorúan beszélt az osztályhoz.
Common mistake:
Don’t use it to mean simply “seriously” or “quietly”; it suggests strictness and lack of warmth.
Meaning
in a strict, severe way
Collocations
reply austerely
|say austerely
|speak austerely
|warn austerely
|look austerely
|stare austerely
|smile austerely
|rebuke austerely
|nod austerely
Synonyms
sternly (Emphasizes strictness and disapproval.)
|
severely (Often suggests harshness or punishment.)
|
grimly (Adds a sense of dark seriousness.)
Antonyms
warmly (Shows friendliness and kindness instead of strictness.)
|
leniently (Shows tolerance instead of severity.)
Themes
emotions
|interpersonal
|behavior
Definition
in a very strict and serious way
In a serious and strict way that shows little warmth, sympathy, or tolerance.
C1
2
puritánul
C1
Usage pattern:
[place/thing] is [austerely] furnished/decorated/designed
The room was austerely furnished, with just a bed and a desk.
A szoba puritánul volt berendezve, csak egy ágy és egy íróasztal volt benne.
The gallery is austerely designed to keep attention on the paintings.
A galériát puritánul tervezték meg, hogy a figyelem a festményeken maradjon.
She wore an austerely cut black suit with no jewelry.
Learner examples
Their apartment is austerely decorated.
A lakásuk puritánul van berendezve.
Common mistake:
It does not mean “old” or “empty”; it means intentionally simple and lacking decoration.
Meaning
in a plain, unadorned style
Collocations
austerely furnished
|austerely decorated
|austerely designed
|austerely modern
|austerely simple
|austerely lit
|austerely elegant
|austerely minimal
Synonyms
sparingly (Highlights that only a small amount is used.)
|
plainly (More general; may lack the sense of severity.)
|
simply (Often more positive and less severe.)
Antonyms
ornately (Uses a lot of decoration instead of simplicity.)
|
luxuriously (Emphasizes comfort and expense rather than plainness.)
Themes
design
|home
|lifestyle
Definition
simply, without decoration
In a way that is simple and without decoration, luxury, or extra comfort.
B2
3
takarékosan
B1
Usage pattern:
[someone/government] lives/spends/operates [austerely]
After losing his job, he lived austerely and cut out all nonessential spending.
Miután elvesztette az állását, takarékosan élt, és minden felesleges kiadást megszüntetett.
The company operated austerely during the downturn, postponing new hires.
A vállalat a visszaesés idején takarékosan működött, és elhalasztotta az új munkatársak felvételét.
For years the region was governed austerely under strict budget rules.
Learner examples
We had to live austerely for a few months.
Néhány hónapig takarékosan kellett élnünk.
Common mistake:
Not the same as “cheaply” (which can sound negative or low quality); it focuses on strict restraint.
Meaning
with financial restraint
Collocations
live austerely
|spend austerely
|operate austerely
|budget austerely
|run austerely
|austerely managed
|austerely funded
Synonyms
frugally (Focuses on careful spending and saving.)
|
economically (Neutral term for using money carefully.)
|
sparingly (Emphasizes using little of something.)
Antonyms
extravagantly (Spends freely instead of restraining costs.)
|
lavishly (Suggests rich comfort and abundance.)
Themes
money
|business
|politics
|lifestyle
Definition
with very careful spending
In a way that involves strict limits on spending and avoiding unnecessary comforts, often because of economic pressure or policy.
C1
4
Usage pattern:
[someone] greets/treats [someone] [austerely]
She greeted him austerely, offering only a brief handshake.
Ridegen üdvözölte, csak egy rövid kézfogást nyújtott.
The guests were received austerely, with no small talk or smiles.
A vendégeket ridegen fogadták, csevegés és mosoly nélkül.
He listened austerely, keeping his face expressionless.
Learner examples
He greeted me austerely.
Ridegen üdvözölt.
Common mistake:
This overlaps with “strictly,” but here the focus is on emotional distance rather than rules or discipline.
Meaning
in a cold, unfriendly way
Collocations
greet austerely
|treat austerely
|receive austerely
|watch austerely
|regard austerely
|austerely polite
Synonyms
coldly (Directly highlights lack of warmth.)
|
distantly (Emphasizes emotional distance more than severity.)
|
stiffly (Often suggests formal discomfort as well as coldness.)
Antonyms
cordially (Shows friendly politeness rather than coldness.)
|
affectionately (Shows warmth and closeness instead of distance.)
Themes
emotions
|interpersonal
Definition
in an unfriendly, distant way
In a way that feels cold, distant, or unfriendly, often through a lack of smiles, warmth, or personal closeness.
Grammar
Dictionary form
austerely
IPA
GB/ˌɔstˈɪɹli/
US/ˌɔstˈɪɹli/
Syllables & stress
aus - terely (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (terely)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: austerely
- Plural: austerelies
Word family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.