spartan means austere, frugal, characterized by self-denial.
spartan is pronounced /ˈspɑː(ɹ)tən/.
Why “spartan” is a great word
Marked by a severe simplicity, frugality, and rigorous self-discipline achieved through the deliberate renunciation of comfort or luxury. From the Latin Spartanus ("of Sparta"), from the Greek Spartiatēs, referring to the citizens of the ancient Greek city-state of Sparta, whose society was famously austere and militaristic. Unlike "laconic," which captures their legendary terseness in speech, or "ascetic," which implies a religiously motivated self-denial, "spartan" denotes a practical, often imposed, austerity that forges toughness. It is the feel of a thin pallet on a cold floor, the taste of a plain black broth, and the stark, unadorned geometry of a barracks room—a philosophy where every comfort withheld is considered a strength gained.
Etymology
By analogy with the ancient Spartans, who famously possessed these qualities.
adj
- Austere, frugal, characterized by self-denial.“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.”
- Resolute in the face of danger or adversity.“The spartan legionaries vowed to fight to the death.”
- 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.”
- Of or relating to Sparta or its citizens.
noun
- A citizen of Sparta; a native or inhabitant of Sparta.
- A red apple cultivar from British Columbia, Canada.
Words closest in meaning
By meaning, not spelling — each word's AI semantic fingerprint, nearest first.
- spartanism 89% match — A devotion to the habits and qualities of the ancient Spartans, especially an indomitable spirit, undaunted hardihood, and stark simplicity. vs spartan →
- austere 87% match — Grim or severe in manner or appearance. vs spartan →
- laconize 86% match — To imitate the manner of the Laconians, especially in brief, pithy speech, or in frugality and austerity. vs spartan →
- laconization 86% match — The practice, or an instance, of making something more Spartan in character. vs spartan →
- laconism 85% match — Extreme brevity in expression. vs spartan →
- frugality 85% match — The quality of being frugal; prudent economy. vs spartan →
- spartiate 84% match — A Spartan, especially a full citizen. vs spartan →
- draconian 83% match — Of or relating to Draco, the first legislator of Athens in Ancient Greece. vs spartan →