Word of the Day

: April 12, 2008

ascetic

adjective uh-SET-ik

What It Means

1 : practicing strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline

2 : austere in appearance, manner, or attitude

ascetic in Context

Ms. Walter's plain, dark clothing and pulled-back hair give her an ascetic appearance, but she is actually very warm and fun-loving.

Did You Know?

"Ascetic" comes from "askētikos," a Greek adjective meaning "laborious," and ultimately traces back to the Greek verb "askein," which means "exercise" or "work." There aren't many other English words from "askein," but there's no dearth of synonyms for "ascetic." "Severe" and "austere," for example, are two words that share with "ascetic" the basic meaning "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint." "Ascetic" implies abstention from pleasure, comfort, or self-indulgence as a spiritual discipline, whereas "severe" implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness (as in "severe military discipline"). "Austere" stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial (as in "living an austere life in the country").