I. ˈsō-bər adjective
( 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
II. verb
( so·bered ; so·ber·ing -b(ə-)riŋ)
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
: to make sober
intransitive verb
: to become sober — usually used with up