sober Hear it!

sober definition

so·ber (bər)

adjective

  1. temperate or sparing in the use of alcoholic liquor
  2. not drunk
  3. temperate in any way; not extreme or extravagant
  4. serious, solemn, grave, or sedate
  5. not bright, garish, or flashy; quiet; plain: said of color, clothes, etc.
  6. not exaggerated or distorted the sober truth
  7. characterized by reason, sanity, or self-control; showing mental and emotional balance

Etymology: ME sobre < OFr < L sobrius < so(d)-, var. of se(d)-, without + ebrius, drunk

transitive verb, intransitive verb

to make or become sober: often with up or down

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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