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soberness

soberness

1 5.2
A calm, serious way of behaving that shows respect or deep thought
  • noun
  • /ˈsoʊbərnəs/
translation icon : seriedad
  • Dialogue, then, uses logos with freedom, discrimination, and soberness and is therefore a tool of reconstruction, conciliation, and bridge-building.

Examples

  • The teacher spoke with a sense of soberness as she addressed the serious issue of bullying in school.

  • I am not mad... but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

    Blog text (2)
  • She says that it's a soberness of mind which teaches a man not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think.

  • During the meeting, his soberness highlighted the importance of the decisions being made.

  • In times of crisis, her soberness was an anchor for those around her, reminding everyone to stay focused.

Synonyms

gravity
vssoberness
65 6.1

A serious, calm way of behaving that shows something is important

focuses more on thoughtful calmness than on sheer importance
seriousness
vssoberness
53 2.7

A calm and honest way of speaking or acting that shows you mean what you say

is more reflective and inward in its serious manner
solemnity
vssoberness
  • Formal
9 7.0

A serious, formal feeling that shows respect

is more about quiet thoughtfulness than public formality
sobriety
vssoberness
  • Formal
5 5.9

A serious and calm way of behaving

leans more toward quiet reflection rather than practical self-control
somberness
vssoberness
  • US
1 6.5

A serious, sad mood that feels quiet and heavy

is serious without the added sadness or gloom
serious-mindedness
vssoberness
6.5

Being careful and thoughtful about important things

is more about a present serious mood than a lasting character trait
solemness
vssoberness
  • Formal
7.5

A serious and calm way of behaving that shows respect

is less formal and more inwardly thoughtful in tone
graveness
vssoberness
7.6

A serious, calm way of speaking or acting that shows importance

is milder, stressing sober thought rather than intense gravity
sedateness
vssoberness
8.1

Quiet and serious behavior that shows self control

is more about thoughtful seriousness than composed calmness

Antonyms

9 6.7

Light, silly behavior that is not serious

A cheerful, carefree feeling that makes people relax

How Serious

solemnity
  • Formal
9 7.0
gravity
65 6.1
soberness
1 5.2
frivolity
9 6.7

Surface Forms

soberness singular
sobernesses plural

Morphology

soberness = sober (transparent) = sober + ness

The noun is a direct nominalization of 'sober' and denotes the quality of being serious or solemn, which is a standard sense of the adjective.

Etymology

Soberness also comes from the word sober, which moved from meaning 'not drunk' to meaning 'calm' or 'serious'. That's why soberness can mean a quiet, thoughtful, or serious attitude.