How to pronounce austere
Say it like aw-STEER. Austere has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STEER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce austere. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- aw
- STEER
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Austere pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- awKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- STEERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of austere
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: o-STEER.
What does austere mean?
- Grim or severe in manner or appearance.“The headmistress was an austere old woman.”
- Lacking decoration; trivial; not extravagant or gaudy.“The interior of the church was as austere as the parishioners were dour.”
- Adhering to the economic policy of austerity.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with austere
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of austere.
Questions about saying austere
How do you pronounce austere?
Say aw-STEER. The American pronunciation is /ɔˈstɪr/. In British English it is /ɒˈstɪə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in austere?
Austere has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STEER). Broken into parts: aw · STEER.
Is austere pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ɒˈstɪə/ (o-STEER).