Word
sobering
Phoneticssober·ing
US/ˈsoʊbɝɪŋ/
UK/sˈəʊbəɹɪŋ/
Definition
v. making you feel serious or less happy because you realize something is more difficult or dangerous than you thought. It often describes a situation that makes you think about reality.
v. causing a feeling of serious reflection or a loss of optimism, often due to a realization of the true nature of a situation. Frequently used to describe experiences that strip away illusions or lead to a more grounded perspective.
Examples
“The news of the accident was a sobering reminder of the risks.”
“After seeing the factory's waste, the students had a sobering realization about their own consumption habits.”
“The documentary provides a sobering look at the long-term environmental impact of industrial expansion, challenging the viewer to reconsider their daily choices.”
Examples
simple
“The news of the accident was a sobering reminder of the risks.”
contextual
“After seeing the factory's waste, the students had a sobering realization about their own consumption habits.”
complex
“The documentary provides a sobering look at the long-term environmental impact of industrial expansion, challenging the viewer to reconsider their daily choices.”
Real-World Examples
“Predictions for what El Niño will bring are sobering.” Scan code
englishreference.com/q/sobering