adj. & n.
adj. (soberer, soberest) 1 not affected by alcohol. 2 not given to excessive drinking of alcohol. 3 moderate, well-balanced, tranquil, sedate. 4 not fanciful or exaggerated (the sober truth). 5 (of a colour etc.) quiet and inconspicuous.
v.tr. & intr. (often foll. by down, up) make or become sober or less wild, reckless, enthusiastic, visionary, etc. (a sobering thought). as sober as a judge completely sober. soberingly adv. soberly adv.
[ ME f. OF sobre f. L sobrius ]