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 drunk2: marked by sedate or gravely or earnestly thoughtful character or demeanor3: unhurried, calm4: marked by temperance, moderation, or seriousness <a sober candlelight vigil>5: subdued in tone or color6: showing no excessive or extreme qualities of fancy, emotion, or prejudice

synonyms see serious

— so·ber·ly \-bər-lē\ adverb

— so·ber·ness noun