adj.
Pronunciation: ' s ō -b ə r
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: so · ber · er \ -b ə r- ə r \ ; so · ber · est \ -b( ə -)r ə st \
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 \ -b ə r-l ē \ adverb
– so · ber · ness noun