Word of the Day: AUSTERITY

Sternness and severity

austerity (adj) - excessive simplicity or severity, marked by an absence of luxuries; a stern and serious quality [aw-ster-i-tee]

• austerity as an economic policy refers to lowering spending, raising taxes, or both in order to reduce budget deficits

• austere means severe, strict, or rigid in environment, attitude, or appearance; ascetic or unadorned

• sere means dry or withered

“There is no austerity equal to a balanced mind, and there is no happiness equal to contentment; there is no disease like covetousness, and no virtue like mercy.” —Chanakya

[Our Wednesday Wildcards are fascinating and important words that are not necessarily derived from classical roots.]