1. A term most frequently used to describe someone's natural state without the consumption or influence of alcohol. (It can also more broadly be used to describe someone who is not
under the influence of drugs, although this is a less-common use of the word.)
2. A
metaphorical descriptive term than can be used to describe someone attaining a serious or sensible
mental state, often after having a more carefree or unstable attitude. (Almost as if becoming sober after being drunk.) Generally described as being "sobering."
3. A slang term sometimes used to describe someone who is exceedingly boring or nit-picky. Or someone goes out of their way to display a lack of joy or an absence of fun.
1. Noel remained sober at the nightclub while her friends drank and partied, as she was the
designated driver for the night.
2. His mother
getting into a serious car-accident was a sobering experience for Ben, as he himself had been an unsafe driver up until that point, and he realized he needed to be more careful on the road.
3. Chris's overly sober attitude was becoming an issue at his workplace, especially after he tried to convince his supervisor to cancel a planned retirement party for a long-time co-worker because he
thought it was a "waste of two hours we could otherwise be working."