26984 words

sober

8 definitions • 13 examples
1
not having drunk alcohol or not affected by alcohol:

Examples:

Are you sober enough to drive, Jim?
stone cold sober I'd had no wine all evening so I was stone cold (= completely) sober.
2
(of an alcoholic or drug addict) not having had an alcoholic drink or taken drugs for a period of time:

Examples:

Steve is a recovering alcoholic who has been sober for a decade.
A family crisis often forces alcoholics to get sober.
stay sober He's been in treatment before and he's never been able to stay sober.
days, months, years, etc. sober I was three days sober, then I bought a bottle.
She is a former heroin addict now eight years sober.
3
(of an occasion) at which no alcohol is served or drunk:

Examples:

You will find it easier if everyone knows that you are planning a sober holiday.
When you are planning a sober wedding, don't forget to include some non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
4
serious and calm:

Examples:

In fact the whole wedding was a sober affair - no dancing, just people standing around in groups chatting politely.
Anthony was in a very sober mood - I scarcely heard him laugh all night.
5
Clothes or colours that are sober are plain and not bright.
6
to become more calm and serious, or to make someone do this:

Examples:

News of the tragedy sobered us.
7
having had no alcohol; not drunk
8
serious and calm:

Examples:

The sober expression had not left Martin’s face.

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