Which of the following best describes the meaning of "austere"?

The term "austere" best describes a situation or style that is severe and strict. It often implies an absence of adornment or luxury, signaling simplicity and rigour rather than comfort or excess. In various contexts, an austere environment might lack decoration, be characterized by simplicity, or be marked by a stern demeanor or strict regulations.

This concept often resonates in descriptions of lifestyles, philosophies, or aesthetics that reject excess and focus on the essentials, revealing an emphasis on discipline and minimalism. Therefore, the choice reflecting "severe and strict" aligns precisely with the defining attributes of the word "austere," underlining its connotation of harshness or serious simplicity without embellishment.