Definition of sober

< soba

sobersided >

so·ber    (sbr) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:
so·ber·er, so·ber·est

1. Habitually abstemious in the use of alcoholic liquors or drugs; temperate.
2. Not intoxicated or affected by the use of drugs.
3. Plain or subdued: sober attire.
4. Devoid of frivolity, excess, exaggeration, or speculative imagination; straightforward: gave a sober assessment of the situation.
5. Marked by seriousness, gravity, or solemnity of conduct or character. See Synonyms at serious.
6. Marked by circumspection and self-restraint.

tr. & intr.v.
so·bered, so·ber·ing, so·bers

To make or become sober.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French sobre, from Latin sbrius; see s(w)e- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
sober·ly(Adverb), sober·ness(Noun)