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sober

sober

44 4.6
Serious and sensible in behavior or tone
  • adjective
  • /ˈsoʊbər/
translation icon : sobrio
  • Dorothy's mood was appropriately sober for the circumstances and sometimes became sad.
  • sober reflection
  • a sober mood
  • appropriately sober

But most of all, the best expression of sober optimism I've ever heard.

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Examples

  • Without a doubt, this nation is suddenly a more sober, less confident, less certain place.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Fame meant nothing; it was important only to live a modest, sober, industrious life.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • Just one sober person I could count on for some solid advice.

  • For the sober, honest man.

  • Can we just have a few sober moments tonight?

  • "Besides," Black added, "Walker was a sober man if I ever saw one."

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Our Raymond will remain an outwardly normal, productive, sober and respected member of the community.

  • To these serious charges, the French bishops plead, with sober and quite unambiguous clarity, guilty.

    Academic text (2000)
  • The Lords were dressed in their usual sober dark clothes, gold chains around their necks indicating rank.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • She approached the discussion with a sober demeanor, ensuring that all viewpoints were considered seriously.

Synonyms

serious
vssober
452 1.4

Calm and focused, not playful or joking

is more about sensible dignity than only earnest focus
grave
vssober
  • Formal
181 4.2

Very serious and needing careful attention

is lighter meaning everyday sensible or practical seriousness
solemn
vssober
  • Formal
92 4.7

Very serious and formal in a way that shows no humor

is less formal focusing on sensible manner not ceremony
sedate
vssober
9 5.9

Calm and serious in a slow controlled way

is more about sensible seriousness than calm unhurried behavior
sobersided
vssober
  • Archaic
9.9

Having a serious, calm way and not showing much humor

is broader and covers sensible conduct not only lack of humor

Antonyms

79 1.6

Full of fun and energy and liking jokes or games

76 1.6

Funny in a way that makes people laugh

Idioms

stone cold sober
  • Informal
3 5.6

Not affected by alcohol or drugs at all

Compounds

cold sober
  • Informal
4 6.2

Completely free of alcohol or drugs

stone-sober
  • Informal
1 6.9

Shows no signs of being drunk

A calm, serious talk where people think carefully and avoid strong feelings

1 5.1

A serious face that shows little or no emotion

How Serious

solemn
  • Formal
92 4.7
grave
  • Formal
181 4.2
sober
44 4.6
serious
452 1.4
light-hearted
11 3.5

Surface Forms

sober positive

Etymology

Sober also came to mean 'serious' because someone who is 'not drunk' behaves calm, sensible and dignified. That's why a sober person or speech is careful and without jokes.