1. A state of soberness or dryness; the absence of being intoxicated: "Clean and sober" is a commonly used phrase, which refers to sobriety when someone has an extended period without drugs or alcohol in his or her body.

The opposite of sobriety is the situation of being drunk or "insobriety".

Sobriety is the condition of not having any measurable levels or effects from alcohol.

Sobriety is particularly being clear of any immediate or residual effects of any mind-altering substances; so, it may refer to a specific substance that is the concern of a particular recovery support program including alcohol, marijuana, opiates, or tobacco.

2. The quality of being grave in treatment, manner, or demeanor: The sobriety, solemnity, and calmness at the funeral of Jane's grandmother was felt by everyone attending.
3. A situation that has serious consequences: There was a sobriety of Presley's auto accident that had to be worked out by the police.
4. Etymology: from Latin sobrietatem, from sobrius, "not drunk, temperate, moderate, sensible" also "moderate in desires or actions, restrained"; especially, "abstaining from strong drink," and being "calm, quiet, and not being overcome by emotions." © ALL rights are reserved.

Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
so you can see more of Mickey Bach's cartoons.