From the lettered A to E below the sentence, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined expression as it is used in the ...

From the lettered A to E below the sentence, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined expression as it is used in the sentence.
The monk lived an ascetic life in order to discipline himself.

Answer Details

The word "ascetic" refers to a lifestyle of self-discipline and self-denial for spiritual reasons. Therefore, the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined expression is "an austere."