Dictionary

spartan en · ADJ

Pronunciation

• (Southern-England) audio
• /ˈspɑː(ɹ)tən/

Etymology

By analogy with the ancient Spartans, who famously possessed these qualities.

Meanings

1. Austere, frugal, characterized by self-denial.
   • Among its findings, the report says: "In recent years we have seen more stations transformed from run-down Victorian hulks, or spartan bus-sheltered platforms, into places that people can take pride in, feel comfortable in using, and which are fulfilling more of their wider potential. 2020 August 26, “Network News: Stations investment boosts regeneration, says report”, in Rail, page 17:
   • I went on the retreat to the monastery, thinking I would be sleeping in a spartan cell, only to discover a simple but comfortable bedroom.
   • The engine was Class "3" 2-6-2 tank No. 82013, with Driver Sampson (Exmouth), and its roomy draught-free cab was a striking contrast to the spartan comfort offered on the Drummond tank. 1960 June, R. C. Riley, “The coastal branches of South-East Devon: Part Two”, in Trains Illustrated, page 337:
2. Resolute in the face of danger or adversity.
   • The spartan legionaries vowed to fight to the death.
3. Lacking in decoration and luxury.
   • After ten years as a fashion designer in the rough-and-tumble Garment District, Eloise left New York for the spartan but serene life of a farmer's wife.
   • [I]t was furnished with the spartan simplicity which characterizes womanless quarters. 1932, Delos W. Lovelace, King Kong, published 1965, page 4:

Forms

Deriveds

spartanism · spartanness · spartanly

Synonyms

ungarnished · simple · chaste · undecked · spartan · austere · plain · unadorned · unembellished · inornate · untrimmed · unornamented · unextravagant · unvarnished · modest · quiet · bare · plain · severe · simple

Translations (12)

de spartanisch (austere, lacking luxury) · fr spartiate (austere, lacking luxury) · da spartansk (austere, lacking luxury) · cs spartánský (austere, lacking luxury) · pl spartański (austere, lacking luxury) · sv spartansk (austere, lacking luxury) · nn spartansk (austere, lacking luxury) · it spartano (austere, lacking luxury) · nl spartaans (austere, lacking luxury) · nb spartansk (austere, lacking luxury) · fi spartalainen (austere, lacking luxury) · fi askeettinen (austere, lacking luxury)