sobriety

American  

[suh-brahy-i-tee, soh-] / səˈbraɪ ɪ ti, soʊ- /

noun

1. the state or quality of being sober rather than intoxicated.

2. temperance or moderation, especially in the use of alcoholic beverages.

3. the condition of a person addicted to alcohol, or to some other mood-altering substance, who successfully abstains from its use and from other associated habits while addressing the root causes of dependency and adopting a new outlook on life.

   She’s turned herself around after entering a treatment center with staff who never gave up on her until she achieved sobriety.

   Even once you have attained sobriety, recovery is a lifelong process.

4. seriousness, gravity, or solemnity.

   Our farewell gathering for the six laid-off employees was an event marked by sobriety.

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sobriety British  

/ səʊˈbraɪətɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being sober

2. the quality of refraining from excess

3. the quality of being serious or sedate

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Other Word Forms

• nonsobriety noun

Etymology

Origin of sobriety

1375–1425; late Middle English sobrietie (< Old French sobriete ) < Latin sōbrietās, equivalent to sōbri ( us ) sober + -etās, variant of -itās -ity after vowel stems

Example Sentences

She also told Cohen that she was taking her sobriety one day at a time, a sentiment she echoed on “Sherri.”

From Los Angeles Times

He thanked religion for his sobriety and took to proclaiming his faith on stage.

From Los Angeles Times

Various critics have cited its episode “Chuckles Bites the Dust,” which highlighted Moore’s ability to veer between sobriety and unfettered physical comedy.

From Salon

"The color purple is associated with power, authority, luxury, royalty, spirituality, and sobriety," Medina said of Sheinbaum's choice.

From Barron's

“If you could love someone into sobriety, into recovery, into remission from their psychiatric issues, then we’d have a lot fewer clients here,” Jones said.

From Los Angeles Times