It refers to simplicity and moderation, as well as the rigorous adherence to moral standards by individuals. The word austerity is of Latin origin austeritas, made up of 2 components: Austerus which means "difficult or rough" and the suffix itas which expresses "quality.
In reference to the definition given to the word, it can be seen that the term is used to describe people, things, situations or events, that is, a thing is austere when its characteristics do not present too many luxuries, on the contrary, it is very simple, for example: "the house is austere", this means that its furniture decorations are very simple.
As for the person, the austere adjective is used to describe a severe, rigid, sober or modest individual, it is the case of a person who reduces his consumption or is deprived of luxuries to reduce his expenses and, in many cases, Person He is in a good financial situation, but prefers to lead this lifestyle thinking about the future.
In recent years, due to the economic crisis in which different countries of the world are immersed, there has been a continuous use of what has been called economic austerity. Specifically, this term is intended to define a type of economic policy carried out by various governments with the clear objective of somewhat improving the financial situation, although in many cases the expected results are not achieved.
In this way, when it encourages and bets on economic austerity, what is carried out is a set of tax increases at the same time as a reduction in public spending. That is to say, what ordinary citizens have called scraping.
In Spain, for example, the Popular Party government has established this type of policy through energetic cuts to education or public health, which has provoked complaints and reproaches from the population, since it is considered a serious deterioration of their quality of life. All of this, while at the same time seeing taxes go up on things like electricity.
