sobriety
[suh-brahy-i-tee, soh-]
- the state or quality of being sober.
- temperance or moderation, especially in the use of alcoholic beverages.
- seriousness, gravity, or solemnity: an event marked by sobriety.
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Origin of sobriety
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for sobriety
Contemporary Examples
When he slurred and smelled of alcohol, they ordered him out of the car for sobriety tests.
Sobriety brought a new, kinder, and gentler Womack, who often expressed remorse and regret over his past offenses.
Bobby Womack’s Sexual Democracy: The Late Soul Legend Preached Mutual PleasureDavid Masciotra
June 29, 2014
Twitter, like the national debt or Lindsay Lohans's sobriety, is in a constant state of flux.
A Song of Twitter and George R.R. Martin: The Unexpected Players of the TwitterverseAmy Zimmerman
June 10, 2014
In a speech to the crowd, the smiling 19-year-old called her journey to sobriety “a miracle.”
When we step outside for a smoke, the cool air brings a snap of sobriety.
War Nostalgia Is Leading Veterans to Places Like Syria. One Went Missing There.Elliot Ackerman
May 3, 2014
Historical Examples
Such are the enjoyments of sobriety; such are the gratifications of innocence.
ImogenWilliam Godwin
In the graver hours of activity and industry, sobriety may be proper.
ImogenWilliam Godwin
Between wisdom and sobriety of soul (which is temperance) he drew no distinction.
The MemorabiliaXenophon
Men part with all sobriety of judgment when they come on ground of this kind.
Short Studies on Great SubjectsJames Anthony Froude
To what degree of industry, frugality, and sobriety can the Indian be brought?
The Indian Question (1874)Francis A. Walker
sobriety
- the state or quality of being sober
- the quality of refraining from excess
- the quality of being serious or sedate
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for sobriety
n.
c.1400, "moderation in indulgence," from Old French sobriete "sobriety, moderation" (Modern French sobrieté) or directly from Latin sobrietatem (nominative sobrietas), from sobrius (see sober (adj.)). Meaning "steadiness, gravity" is recorded from 1540s.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper