The state of not being drunk or under the influence of drugs; also means being serious and thoughtful.
From Latin 'sobrius' meaning sober or not drunk. The word entered English in the 1300s and expanded to include the metaphorical sense of seriousness and restraint.
Sobriety doesn't just mean not drinking—in AA meetings, when people celebrate years of sobriety, they're celebrating a whole rebuilt life of clarity and choice, which is why 'sobriety' sounds so powerful and earned, not just clinical.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.