Sober Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sober

[ˈsəʊbər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

state of being not intoxicated

Not affected by alcohol; not drunk.

Synonyms

abstinent, not drunk, teetotal, temperate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sober	Typically used to describe someone who is not under the influence of alcohol at a given moment. He was completely sober during the meeting. She promised to stay sober for the party.
not drunk	A casual way to say that someone is not currently under the influence of alcohol. Don't worry, I'm not drunk. Even though he had a few drinks, he's not drunk.
abstinent	Refers to someone who abstains from consuming something, often alcohol, on a long-term basis. After years of drinking, he decided to become abstinent. She has been abstinent from alcohol for five years.
teetotal	Describes someone who completely abstains from alcohol, often for personal or health reasons. She is proudly teetotal. He has been teetotal since college.
temperate	Describes someone who practices moderation in consuming alcohol. He is quite temperate and never drinks to excess. Her temperate lifestyle inspires others.

Examples of usage

He was sober and alert.
She spoke in a calm, sober voice.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to become sober

Make or become sober after drinking alcohol.

Synonyms

clear-headed, detox, rehabilitate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sober	Having a serious, sensible, and solemn demeanor; not light-hearted or playful. She gave a sober speech on the importance of mental health awareness
detox	Short for 'detoxification,' it is commonly used when someone is undergoing a process to remove toxins from their body, especially after substance abuse. Often used in a medical or health-related context. He checked into a clinic to detox from years of heavy drinking
clear-headed	Refers to having a clear mind and being able to think rationally, often used in situations where someone needs to make important decisions. She felt clear-headed after a good night's sleep and was ready to tackle her work
rehabilitate	Refers to the process of restoring someone to health or normal life through therapy or education, especially after addiction or illness. Often used in a medical or social setting. The program aims to rehabilitate former addicts and help them re-enter society

Examples of usage

He had to sober up before driving home.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Research shows that sobriety can improve mental clarity, enhancing decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Sobriety is often linked to better emotional health, with individuals reporting increased well-being and life satisfaction.
Studies indicate that maintaining sobriety can significantly reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Culture

In many cultures, sobriety is celebrated during specific rituals, reflecting self-discipline and clarity of mind.
sober living movements focus on lifestyle changes that promote health, community, and personal growth.
Many songs and films celebrate overcoming challenges associated with intoxication, portraying the empowering journey to sobriety.

Health

Sobriety is recognized as a foundational aspect of many addiction recovery programs, promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Being sober can significantly lower the risks of developing chronic health issues like liver disease and mental health disorders.
Public health initiatives often advocate for sobriety as a way to reduce accidents and improve community safety.

Literature

In classic literature, characters often struggle with sobriety as a metaphor for broader life challenges and moral dilemmas.
Sobriety appears frequently in poetry as a symbol of clarity, truth, and self-awareness.
Many authors explore themes of addiction and recovery in their narratives, shedding light on the complex journey of sobriety.

Origin of 'sober'

Main points about word origin

The word 'sober' comes from the Latin 'sobrius', which means 'not drunk'.
In Old French, it was 'sobre', and it carried the same meaning of moderation and control.
The term has been used in English since the 14th century to describe someone who is temperate.

The word 'sober' originated from the Old French word 'sobre' which means 'temperate, sober'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. The concept of sobriety has long been associated with clarity of mind and self-control, particularly in relation to alcohol consumption. Being sober is often seen as a state of responsibility and attentiveness.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,089 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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8086 incompatible
8087 sensations
8088 singer
8089 sober
8090 inviting
8091 nationwide
8092 patriotism
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