Not affected by alcohol; serious and thoughtful in character or demeanor.
From Old French 'sobre', from Latin 'sobrius' meaning 'not drunk'. Related to 'se-' (without) and possibly 'ebrius' (drunk). Extended meaning of 'serious' developed from the clear-thinking associated with sobriety.
Sober shows how physical states influence our understanding of mental states - being free from alcohol became associated with clear thinking, leading to 'sober judgment' and 'sobering thoughts'. The word captures both literal sobriety and metaphorical clarity of mind.
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