different between aloof vs austere

English

Etymology

From Middle English loof (“weather gage, windward direction”), probably from Middle Dutch (Compare Dutch loef (“the weather side of a ship”)), originally a nautical order to keep the ship's head to the wind, thus to stay clear of a lee-shore or some other quarter, hence the figurative sense of "at a distance, apart".

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /??lu?f/
• Rhymes: -u?f

Adverb

aloof (comparative more aloof, superlative most aloof)

1. At or from a distance, but within view, or at a small distance; apart; away.
2. Without sympathy; unfavorably.

Translations

Adjective

aloof (comparative more aloof, superlative most aloof)

1. Reserved and remote; either physically or emotionally distant; standoffish.

Derived terms

• aloofly
• aloofness

Translations

Preposition

aloof

1. (obsolete) Away from; clear of.

See also

• See also Thesaurus:arrogant

References

Anagrams

• loofa

English

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ???????? (aust?rós, “bitter, harsh”), having the specific meaning "making the tongue dry" (originally used of fruits, wines), related to ??? (aú?, “to singe”), ???? (aûos, “dry”).

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation): IPA^(key): /??st??(?)/, /???st??(?)/
• (US)
  • (General American) IPA^(key): /??sti?/, enPR: ôst?r?
  • (cot–caught merger, Inland Northern American): IPA^(key): /??sti?/
• Rhymes: -??(?)

Adjective

austere (comparative austerer or more austere, superlative austerest or most austere)

1. Grim or severe in manner or appearance

2. Lacking decoration; trivial; not extravagant or gaudy

Synonyms

• (grim or severe): stern, strict, forbidding
• (lacking trivial decoration): simple, plain, unadorned, unembellished

Antonyms

• (not lacking trivial decoration): overwrought, flamboyant, extravagant, gaudy, flashy

Derived terms

• austerity
• austerely

Translations

Italian

Adjective

austere f pl

1. feminine plural of austero

Latin

Adjective

aust?re

1. vocative masculine singular of aust?rus

References

• austere in Charlton T. Lewis and Charles Short (1879) A Latin Dictionary, Oxford: Clarendon Press
• austere in Charlton T. Lewis (1891) An Elementary Latin Dictionary, New York: Harper & Brothers

Latvian

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)Perhaps related to Ancient Greek ??????? (óstreon).

Pronunciation

Noun

austere f (5th declension)

1. oyster (certain edible bivalve mollusks of the order Ostreida)

Declension

Middle French

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin aust?rus.

Adjective

austere m or f (plural austeres)

1. austere; severe

Old French

Alternative forms

• haustere
• auster (masculine only)

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin aust?rus.

Adjective

austere m (oblique and nominative feminine singular austere)

1. (of a flavor) acrid; bitter
2. austere; severe