Meaning
Sobriety is a noun that refers to the state of being sober. It commonly means not being affected by alcohol or drugs, but it can also mean seriousness, gravity, or moderation in behavior, speech, or appearance.
Grammar and Usage
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Part of speech: Noun
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Uncountable (cannot usually be used in plural form).
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Used in contexts of:
- Abstinence: the condition of not consuming alcohol or drugs.
- Seriousness: calm, serious, or thoughtful behavior.
Typical patterns:
- “maintain sobriety”
- “live in sobriety”
- “the sobriety of his tone”
Common Phrases
- Maintain sobriety – to stay free from alcohol/drugs.
- A period of sobriety – a length of time someone stays sober.
- The sobriety of the occasion – the seriousness or solemnity of an event.
Collocations
- Verb + sobriety: maintain, achieve, lose, regain, live in
- Adjective + sobriety: total sobriety, lifelong sobriety, solemn sobriety
- Sobriety + noun: sobriety test, sobriety program
Examples
- After years of struggle, she finally achieved complete sobriety.
- The priest spoke with a tone of deep sobriety.
- He took a sobriety test after being stopped by the police.
- Many people join support groups to maintain long-term sobriety.
- The ceremony was conducted with great sobriety.
- Sobriety requires discipline and support from others.
- The doctor stressed the importance of sobriety for his recovery.
- The sobriety of her words made everyone pay attention.
Synonyms or Related
- For abstinence meaning: temperance, abstinence, self-restraint
- For seriousness meaning: solemnity, gravity, earnestness, dignity