austerity
noun
austere quality; severity of manner, life, etc.; sternness.
austerities
-
pluralof austerity.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“These powers were allegedly acquired by Buddhist priests who performed austerities in the mountains such as ablutions under freezing waterfalls, meditation in caves, and severe dietary restrictions during extended periods of seclusion.”
From National Geographic ● Jan. 19, 2024
Guru Nanak, founder of the Sikh faith, regarded fasting as inferior to the “truth” or “right action,” which he said was superior to fasting, penance or other austerities.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 23, 2023
To compensate for these austerities, students and their families have taken on more debt, and public institutions have had to entice more out-of-state and international students able to pay full fare.
From New York Times ● Mar. 9, 2018
I could not possibly improve on the sentiment, but I don't think it ought to depend on the current austerities.
From Slate ● Dec. 25, 2017
He practised austerities and mortifications, and slept with a coffin by his bedside, to remind him of the insecurity of this earthly life.
From The Story of Seville by C. Gasquoine (Catherine Gasquoine) Hartley
