What does SOBER mean?

Sober Parts of Speech

Sober is a verb and an adjective.

Definitions

As a verb, sober means to become sober or to make someone sober. As an adjective, sober means not drunk or affected by alcohol, serious, or restrained.

Pronunciations

US: /ˈsoʊ.bɚ/

UK: /ˈsəʊ.bər/

Origin and Usage

The word sober comes from the Old French word sobre, which means "temperate" or "moderate". It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe someone who is not drunk or affected by alcohol. In addition to its literal meaning, sober can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is serious, restrained, or not prone to excess.

Synonyms

As a verb: clearheaded, detox, dry out, become sober

As an adjective: clearheaded, restrained, serious, somber, subdued

Related Words

blaze, clean, clear, drink, happy, quiet, smart, sound, still, tense

Example Sentences

As a verb:

• He needs to sober up before he can drive home.
• She tried to sober him up with a cup of coffee.

As an adjective:

• He was sober for two years after quitting drinking.
• Her sober expression made it clear that she was not amused.