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."