Words / C2

uh-SET-ik/əˈsetɪk/

Ascetic means choosing a severely plain life without comfort: an ascetic existence, ascetic discipline. Austere (already in the dictionary) is a close cousin (can be style or economics). Aesthetic (already in the dictionary) is about beauty — the classic mix-up. Do not call a budget cut “ascetic” if it only hits other people.

Meaning

Choosing a severely simple life, without comfort or pleasure.

Examples

• “An ascetic budget cut cake and also the night bus, which was the real cost.”
• “An ascetic line on cake still has to fund the night bus, or it is just theatre.”
• “Austere can describe a room or a chancellor. Aesthetic is art/beauty (note the spelling). An ascetic (noun) is a person who lives that way. Cutting someone else’s overtime is not your asceticism.”

Good to know

Austere; self-denying. Close: austere. Mix-up: aesthetic (beauty). Noun: an ascetic. Not a cut that only hurts others.

Near in meaning

austere

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