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soberness

soberness

1 5.2
A calm, serious way of behaving that shows respect or deep thought
  • noun
  • /ˈsoʊbərnəs/
: 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

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
gravity
vssoberness
40 6.1

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

focuses more on thoughtful calmness than on sheer importance
solemnity
vssoberness
  • Formal
9 7.0

A serious, formal feeling that shows respect

is more about quiet thoughtfulness than public formality
sobriety
vssoberness
  • Formal
2 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
graveness
vssoberness
1 7.6

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

is milder, stressing sober thought rather than intense gravity
serious-mindedness
vssoberness
1 6.5

Being careful and thoughtful about important things

is more about a present serious mood than a lasting character trait
sedateness
vssoberness
1 8.1

Quiet and serious behavior that shows self control

is more about thoughtful seriousness than composed calmness
solemness
vssoberness
  • Formal
7.5

A serious and calm way of behaving that shows respect

is less formal and more inwardly thoughtful in tone

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
40 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.