austerity

As nouns the difference between taxonomy and austerity

is that taxonomy is the science or the technique used to make a classification while austerity is severity of manners or life; extreme rigor or strictness; harsh discipline.

In obsolete terms the difference between austerity and penance

is that austerity is sourness and harshness to the taste while penance is pain; sorrow; suffering.

As nouns the difference between austerity and penance

is that austerity is severity of manners or life; extreme rigor or strictness; harsh discipline while penance is a voluntary self-imposed punishment for a sinful act or wrongdoing. It may be intended to serve as reparation for the act.

As a verb penance is

to impose penance; to punish.