Question

Museums nationwide are in the midst of a budgetary crisis. In the past several decades, charitable giving to museums has decreased as multiple recessions have encouraged more austere spending practices. (paragraph 1)
The word austere comes from the Greek austēros, which means “severe.” Using this information, what do you think the word austere means in the passage?


A. extreme

B. restrained

C. lavish

D. unjust

Answer 1

B. restrained

Explanation: "Austere" (from Greek austēros = "severe") here describes stricter, more limited spending—being frugal or restrained—so museums cut back, not spend lavishly.