Main Entry: ¹so·ber

Pronunciation: \ˈsō-bər\

Function: adjective

Inflected Form(s): so·ber·er \-bər-ər\; so·ber·est \-b(ə-)rəst\

Etymology: Middle English sobre, from Anglo-French, from Latin sobrius; akin to Latin ebrius drunk

Date: 14th century

1 a : sparing in the use of food and drink : abstemious b : not addicted to intoxicating drink c : not drunk
2 : marked by sedate or gravely or earnestly thoughtful character or demeanor
3 : unhurried, calm
4 : marked by temperance, moderation, or seriousness <a sober candlelight vigil>
5 : subdued in tone or color
6 : showing no excessive or extreme qualities of fancy, emotion, or prejudice

synonyms see serious

— so·ber·ly \-bər-lē\ adverb

— so·ber·ness noun