Sober
/ˈsoʊ.bɚ/noun
Not affected by alcohol; clear-headed.
Did you know?In ancient times, being sober was associated with having a serious demeanor, often linked to wisdom and divine favor in rituals.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sekw-
“to follow, to be dry or to be sober”
Latin
Latin
sober
“not intoxicated, serious, or temperate”
Old French
Old French
sobre
“temperate, moderate, serious”
Middle English
Middle English
sober
“not intoxicated, serious in demeanor”
Modern English
English
sober
“free from the influence of alcohol; serious in mood or character”
Explore more surprising origins