Synonyms: ascetic, ascetical, austere, spartan
Definition: practicing great self-denial
Usage: Be systematically ascetic...do...something for no other reason than that you would rather not do it- William James; a desert nomad's austere life; a spartan diet; a spartan existence
Similar words: abstemious
Definition: sparing in consumption of especially food and drink
Usage: the pleasures of the table, never of much consequence to one naturally abstemious- John Galsworthy
Definition: of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
Usage: an austere expression; a stern face
Similar words: nonindulgent, strict
Definition: characterized by strictness, severity, or restraint
Synonyms: stern, austere, stark, severe
Definition: severely simple
Usage: a stark interior
Similar words: plain
Definition: not elaborate or elaborated; simple
Usage: plain food; stuck to the plain facts; a plain blue suit; a plain rectangular brick building