sober
adj. · v.-
1 not drunk (adj.) B1 Intermediatenot affected by alcohol or drugs.
not intoxicated by alcohol or under the influence of recreational drugs.
ExampleHe decided to stay sober so he could drive his friends home safely.
ExampleThe witness provided a remarkably clear account of the accident, having remained entirely sober throughout the evening's festivities.
- clear headed
- straight
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2 serious and sensible (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediateserious, calm, and sensible in your thinking.
serious, sensible, and solemn in character or manner; showing self-control.
ExampleAfter the accident, they had a sober discussion about safety rules.
ExampleThe CEO gave a sober assessment of the company's financial situation, avoiding any optimistic language that might mislead the board.
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3 plain or dull (adj.) C1 Advanced Formalplain and not bright in colour.
subdued or muted in colour or tone; lacking brightness or ornamentation.
ExampleShe wore a sober grey suit for the job interview.
ExampleThe office was decorated in sober tones of brown and navy, creating a professional if somewhat uninspiring atmosphere.
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4 to become less drunk (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto stop feeling the effects of alcohol, often used with 'up'.
to become sober after a period of intoxication; frequently functions as a phrasal verb with 'up'.
ExampleA walk in the cold air helped him sober up after the party.
ExampleIt took several hours for the suspect to sober up enough to provide a coherent statement to the investigators.
- intoxicate
Inherited from Middle English sober, from Old French sobre, from Latin sōbrius, from se- (“without”) + ebrius (“intoxicated”), from Proto-Indo-European *h₁egʷʰ- (“drink”). In the sense "not drunk," displaced native undrunken, from Old English undruncen.